Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture has decided to contract a company to develop five ice plants, which will be financed through the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD).
The 25t ice plants are to be developed in Dhidhdhoo in Haa Alifu Atoll, Rasdhoo in Alifu Alifu Atoll, Meedhoo in Dhaalu Atoll, Maamendhoo in Laamu Atoll, and Rathafandhoo in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll.
The fisheries ministry stated that it had sought a contractor for the project twice before but that it had not received an adequate level of interest. The ministry stated that it has held discussions with specific companies and allowed them to submit their bids by September 18.
The companies chosen to submit their bids include private companies and state-owned companies. The ministry stated that the project will be contracted in October and will be completed within eight months.
The government is working to establish ice plants across the country to make ice easily available for fishermen. The fisheries ministry stated that 12 ice plants will be built in various parts of the country with capacities ranging from 25-50 tonnes.