The government of Maldives has allocated Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) USD 2.4 million to arrange the remaining payments for fishermen.
Speaking to PSM News during her trip to Kooddoo in Gaafu Alifu Atoll, Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture Zaha Waheed revealed the government has granted funds to arrange payments for fishermen owed by MIFCO. With these funds MIFCO will clear all pending bills for fishermen, according to Minister Zaha.
Furthermore, citing the poor condition of the island, Minister Zaha stated while Kooddoo is the main island for the operations of the fisheries sector, the services provided from the island need to be further enhanced. She said t can only be achieved by making MIFCO more active and responsible.
During the trip, the fisheries minister visited Villingili and Gemanafushi and met with the island councils and local fishermen.