Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail has revealed the funds to establish a new fish processing plant in Felivaru, Lhaviyani Atoll has now been arranged.
Speaking to the fisher community of Foakaidhoo, Shaviyani Atoll, Minister Fayyaz said the government is undertaking several efforts to address the concerns raised by local fishermen regarding the difficulties faced in selling their catch. As such, the economic minister said a new fish processing plant is set to be established in Felivaru to increase the processing capacity of the Felivaru Fisheries Complex to 100 tonnes per day. He said the funds for the new fish processing plant have been arranged, adding the project is expected to be completed within two years.
Speaking further, the economic minister said efforts are also underway to release fifth-generation fishing vessels, as part of efforts to modernise the local fishing industry. He said the new vessels are designed to utilise sustainable energy and reduce fuel cost. He added the government is currently working on contracting a party to build these vessels.
The economic minister met the fisher community of Foakaidhoo as part of the ongoing visit of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and First Lady Fazna Ahmed, along with senior government officials, to 8 islands of Shaviyani Atoll and Raa Atoll.