The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources has revealed that ice plants have already been established and brought into operation on six islands in the past two years, while work is underway to complete and operationalise 23 ice plants across the country this year.

Speaking at a press briefing held at the President’s Office on Wednesday, Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam said the Government is working to provide a long-term solution to the challenges fishermen face in obtaining ice, particularly during productive fishing seasons.

The Minister said the six operational facilities are located in Gaafu Alifu Gemanafushi, Gaafu Alifu Dhevvadhoo, Shaviyani Funadhoo, Dhaalu Meedhoo and Dhaalu Ban'didhoo, enabling fishermen in those areas to access ice more easily.

The ice plant in Gemanafushi has the capacity to produce 50 tonnes of ice and store up to 100 tonnes. The facility in Dhevvadhoo can produce 25 tonnes of ice and store 30 tonnes. Meanwhile, the plants established in Funadhoo, Meedhoo and Ban’didhoo each have the capacity to produce 30 tonnes of ice and store up to 50 tonnes.

Minister Shiyam said the facility in Shaviyani Funadhoo is expected to significantly ease the challenges faced by fishermen operating in the northern region. He added that the establishment of two ice plants in Huvadhu Atoll is also providing major relief to fishermen in one of the country’s most active fishing areas.

The Minister further revealed that additional ice plant projects are currently underway at various stages of development. These facilities are being developed in Laamu Maabaidhoo, Meemu Veyvah, Lhaviyani Naifaru, Shaviyani Komandoo, Meemu Muli, Laamu Maavah, Laamu Hithadhoo, Haa Dhaalu Kulhudhuffushi and Dhaalu Hulhudheli.

While construction has already begun in some locations, other projects are currently in the documentation and preparatory stages.

In addition, tenders have been announced for the development of five more ice plants under funding from the Saudi Fund. The Government has also decided to establish additional facilities this year in Gaafu Alifu Maamendhoo and Gaafu Alifu Vilin’gili through the State budget.

Minister Shiyam said that once all ongoing projects are completed, approximately 23 ice plants are expected to become operational nationwide this year.

He added that the expansion of ice production and storage facilities is expected to significantly reduce the difficulties fishermen face in obtaining ice during peak fishing periods.