Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has revealed that the ice plants being developed by the current administration will be completed in a two-year time span.
Speaking at a programme aired on PSM News, Minister Shiyam stated that when the current administration assumed office, the ice plants operated by Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) were under changed to be managed by Fenaka Corporation Limited. However, the corporation ceased the operations of the ice plants it did not align with the company's service objectives and was financially burdensome. Regardless of this, the current administration has decided to resume ice plant operations.
Furthermore, Minister Shiyam highlighted the efforts being exerted by the government to establish additional ice plants. Under these efforts, the development of four ice plants are currently underway, with bidding opportunities now open to commence development of five ice plants next year. The minister affirmed that the state budget for 2025 will include funds for the development of an additional five ice plants as well. He stated that the establishment of ice plants is scheduled for completion within two years.
The government has now opened opportunities to apply for the government’s loan scheme for the installation of Refrigerated Sea Water (RSW) systems on fishing boats. Loans have already been issued to some parties under this scheme.