The administration has decided to begin the process of terminating the agreement signed with Horizon Fisheries Private Limited to develop a fisheries complex in Hoadehdhoo, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. The decision was announced during today’s parliament sitting by Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture Zaha Waheed.
In response to questions from parliamentarians, Minister Zaha noted the initial agreement signed with Horizon on September 10, 2003 involved the export of fish caught from Zone 4, which is the region between Gaafu Alifu Atoll and Addu City. The minister said the agreement to develop a fisheries complex in Hoadehdhoo was signed on December 8, 2005. She said the company was provided with a 13.5-hectare plot in Hoadehdhoo, for the development of a 3000-tonne cold storage, a 160-tonne brine tank and a 50-tonne ice plant.
Minister Zaha said the initial delays in commencing the project was caused by the efforts of the administration to link Hoadehdhoo and Madaveli via a causeway. Noting the causeway project began on March 19, 2007, the minister said the dredged material used to reclaim the causeway was stored in the plot issued to Horizon, effectively putting a hold on the fisheries project. She noted the construction of the causeway was also delayed due to various reasons.
The fisheries minister further revealed the materials for the fisheries project were destroyed in a fire before the project could begin. The minister also revealed the sand piles gathered on the Horizon plot was not removed until 2016, after which two years were given to the company to complete the project. However, she said no further communications were recorded between the ministry and Horizon until the current administration took office in 2018.
Minister Zaha said the ministry began efforts to fast-track the project under the current administration, although Horizon notified the ministry it would take at least 2 years and 6 months to even begin the project, due to the financial situation of the company. The minister said the company has not responded to any notices issued by the ministry since then, prompting the process of terminating the agreement.
The fisheries minister stated the ministry has requested the Attorney General to take necessary actions regarding the matter. She said the administration aims to resolve the problem without incurring major losses to the state.
Horizon Fisheries Private Limited has shares belonging to Leader of Jumhooree Party (JP) Qasim Ibrahim. The company currently runs a fisheries complex in Maandhoo, Laamu Atoll.