The Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) has announced an opportunity for interested parties to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the establishment of ice plants on three islands: Meedhoo and Bandidhoo in Dhaalu Atoll, and Funadhoo in Shaviyani Atoll.
MIFCO plans to construct ice plants with storage capacities of 30 and 50 tonnes. Proposals for the EIA are being solicited, with a submission deadline of October 14 at 1300hrs. Bids will be opened on the same day at 1400hrs.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources awarded the contract to MIFCO on September 24. These ice plants are being developed with funding from the government’s budget, specifically from the Public Sector Investment Program (PSIP), with a total project cost of USD 1.6 million. The project is expected to be completed within eight months.
MIFCO has noted that the local councils have generously provided land for the ice plant development at no cost, highlighting the support of island councils for the fishing community. Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources notes that these ice plants aim to address the challenges faced by fishing vessels in obtaining ice. The government is taking further steps to enhance the fishing industry, focusing on increasing MIFCO's capacity and expanding services for fishermen.