Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Technology Aminath Shauna has inaugurated a 25-tonne ice plant in Maduvvari, Raa Atoll. The newly developed ice plant has the capacity to produce 25 tonnes of ice and store 50 tonnes.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister Shauna said it is crucial to keep fish fresh after catching them, in order to provide high-quality fish products. The minister said it is also important to expand the fisheries sector for the growth of the national economy. She also said the government has received complaints of fishermen having to wait in long queues to purchase ice, and that ice plants are being developed across the country to solve the issue. She added the ice plants are assets gifted to the island councils.
Also at the ceremony, Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture Ali Majeed said the government aims to establish mechanisms to provide fresh fish to buyers. He also said the authority to operate, manage, and benefit from the ice plant will be given to the island councils and residents.
The government provided the funds for the development of the ice plant in Maduvvari.