Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) has revealed efforts are underway to increase the capacity of the ice plant in Gahdhoo, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll.
MIFCO revealed a 50-tonne ice plant will replace the existing 25-tonne ice plant, adding upon completion ice provided to fishermen will be increased significantly. The funding for the project has been arranged, MIFCO added.
The government has been working to enhance the fisheries sector and empower fishermen. As such, projects have been conducted across the country with some major projects ongoing in the South. The projects include developing a fisheries complex in Thinadhoo in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll and Mulah in Meemu Atoll and further developing the existing fisheries complex in Kooddoo, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll.
The limited freezing capacity of MIFCO has led to several problems with purchasing and processing fish from local fishing vessels, especially during the peak fishing seasons. The government is undertaking several projects to upgrade the facilities of MIFCO in order to resolve the difficulties faced by local fishermen in selling their catch.