A total of 74 ice plants are currently supplying ice to fishermen across the Maldives, including 27 operated by the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO), Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has said.

Responding to a question from Kendhoo Member of Parliament Mauroof Zakir, Minister Shiyam said improving access to ice remains a key priority in addressing long-standing challenges faced by the fisheries sector. He described the transfer of MIFCO-operated ice plants to Fenaka under the previous administration as disastrous for fishermen, claiming that by the end of that administration fewer than half of the country's ice plants remained operational.

The Minister said fishermen also continue to face shortages of cold storage facilities and limited fish processing capacity, making it difficult to secure better prices during peak fishing seasons. He said the Government is working to address all three issues as part of its efforts to increase fishermen's incomes in line with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's commitments.

Minister Shiyam added that while the Government is promoting the installation of refrigerated seawater (RSW) systems on fishing vessels, expanding the country's network of ice plants remains essential as demand for ice continues to grow.

Responding to a separate question on the proposed Baa Kudarikilu ice plant, the Minister said construction is expected to begin within the next two weeks, with the facility scheduled to be completed and commissioned within six months.

The minister revealed earlier during a press conference that nine ice plants are currently at various stages of development in Laamu Maabaidhoo, Meemu Veyvah, Lhaviyani Naifaru, Shaviyani Komandoo, Meemu Mulah, Laamu Maavah, Laamu Hithadhoo, Haa Dhaalu Kulhudhuffushi and Dhaalu Hulhudheli. While construction has already begun on some projects, documentation and preparatory work are continuing on others.

In addition, the Government plans to establish five more ice plants with funding from Saudi Fund, along with new facilities in Gaafu Alifu Maamendhoo and Villingili this year under national budget. 

Minister Shiyam said the Government expects the expansion of the national ice plant network to significantly ease the challenges faced by fishermen once the planned facilities become operational.