The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources has confirmed that four new ice plants currently under construction will be brought into operation before the end of the year.

The Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) has been entrusted with overseeing the construction of these facilities.

By establishing ice plants on strategically selected islands, the Government aims to ensure a consistent and accessible supply of ice for fishermen. The projects are funded under the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) budget.

Progress on the Dhaalu Meedhoo ice plant has reached an advanced stage. The Ministry reported that all civil works have been completed and installation is currently under way. The plant is expected to become operational by next month.

Similar developments have taken place in Shaviyani Funadhoo, where civil construction has also concluded. Preparations for machinery installation are ongoing, and the facility is expected to begin operations by September.

In Dhaalu Bandidhoo, construction is still in progress. The Ministry stated that the plant remains on schedule, with operations set to commence by October.

The fourth ice plant, located in Meemu Veyvah, is in the pre-construction phase. The Ministry noted that the agreement for this facility is expected to be signed within the month, and it anticipates that the plant will be completed and operational by December.

Each ice plant will feature storage capacities of either 30 or 50 tonnes, depending on site requirements. In addition to the four currently in development, the Ministry has also announced plans to establish two more ice plants this year, with Lhaviyani Naifaru and Meemu Mulah identified as the intended locations.