The government is seeking contractors to develop ice plants in five islands; Ihavandhoo and Dhidhdhoo in Haa Alif Atoll, Komandoo in Shaviyani Atoll, Rasdhoo in Alif Alif Atoll, and Rathafandhoo in Gaafu Dhaal Atoll.
The Ministry of Finance has announced bidding opportunities for this development, funded by the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) under the Development of Fisheries Sector Project. The ministry stated that the selection of contractors will follow the International Bidding Policy (ICB) and SFD's Guidelines for the Execution of Works.
To participate in the bidding, contractors must pay a non-refundable registration fee ranging from USD 100 to USD 1,500. Additionally, a bid security of USD 16,212 must be submitted within 148 days from the start of the bidding process. The finance ministry stated that the pre-bid meeting is scheduled to take place on September 10, 1300hrs, via Microsoft Teams. Meanwhile, it revealed that bidding will officially commence on October 20, in the ministry.
The government is exerting several efforts aimed at increasing the ice production capacity, by developing ice plants in various locations. Under these efforts, the government has decided to establish 11 ice plants, which will increase the capacity of producing by 1880 tonnes, as per the government's anticipation. While the SFD is contributing for the development of five ice plants, the remaining six ice plants will be developed under the state expenses.