The Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, Ahmed Shiyam, has announced that the government’s objective is to complete the ongoing ice plant projects and bring them into full operation within the current year.
Speaking at a press conference held at the President's Office, Minister Shiyam detailed that the development of these ice plants is being financed through the Saudi Fund for Development and the national budget. He emphasised that these efforts are part of the government's broader commitment to addressing the challenges faced by fishermen, particularly the difficulties in securing an adequate supply of ice.
The Minister noted that ice plants in six islands have already been operationalised. This development is expected to provide significant convenience and support for fishermen operating in the northern regions and Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. Furthermore, he revealed that physical work is currently underway for nine additional ice plants across various locations. These locations are three islands in Laamu Atoll, which are Maabaidhoo, Maavah and Hithadhoo. Veyvah and Mulah in Meemu Atoll. Naifaru, Lhaviyani Atoll, Komadoo, Shaviyani Atoll, Kulhudhufushi City and Hulhudheli in Dhaalu Atoll.
"These nine plants are at different stages of development; while some are in the final planning phases, physical construction has already commenced for others," stated Minister Shiyam.
Highlighting the specific projects funded by the Saudi Fund, the Minister confirmed that five ice plants are scheduled to be developed under this particular financing arrangement.
The Minister stated that the primary objective is to commence and complete the development of these ice plants within the current year. Specifically, the aim is to finalise the construction of 23 ice plants and bring them into full operation this year. This initiative is expected to permanently resolve the challenges faced by fishermen in sourcing ice during peak fishing seasons in the Maldives.
In addition to the ice plants, the government is actively working on expanding the nation’s cold storage infrastructure. The current cold storage capacity in the Maldives stands at 9,500 metric tons, and the government's target is to increase this to 25,000 metric tons. To achieve this goal, work is already underway to establish cold storage facilities in four different islands.
As part of these efforts, capacity expansion projects are being carried out in Kooddoo and Felivaru to add 4,000 metric tons, while Thinadhoo and Mulah will see increases of 1,000 metric tons and 500 metric tons, respectively. Furthermore, it has been decided to increase the capacity inHulhumeedhoo, Seenu Atoll to 500 metric tons and establish a 200-metric ton cold storage facility in Hirilandhoo, Thaa Atoll. The project also includes the necessary developments for cold storage in Ihavandhoo, Haa Alif Atoll, as well as an expansion of the capacity at Kanduoiygiri to 200 metric tons.