Minister of Finance Ibrahim Ameer has revealed the government has decided to spend USD 58 million in the next few years to expand the fisheries sector. He made the remarks at the ceremony to inaugurate a 50-metric-tonne ice plant at the Felivaru Fisheries Complex as part of the 41st Fishermen's Day celebrations.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Ameer detailed the government's efforts to expand the fisheries sector. The minister also said the past three years have seen the highest number of fish being brought to Felivaru, Lhaviyani Atoll. He said around 4,000 tonnes of fish were being brought to Felivaru before 2019 but the amount has increased to 12,000 tonnes since then.
Furthermore, Minister Ameer said the government is working to increase fish purchasing mechanisms and increase capacity across the country. The new ice plant has increased ice storage capacity in Felivaru to 125 metric tonnes, which is expected to decrease the time taken for boats to purchase ice from the island.
Currently, the largest government fisheries-related project is increasing capacity at the Felivaru Fisheries Complex. In this regard, the government has been working to bring to operation a 2,500 metric tonne transport boat and two 100 metric tonne boats with freezing capacity. A project is also ongoing to reclaim five hectares of land in Felivaru to establish jetties to accommodate boats of various sizes.