The Ministry of Fisheries has awarded a contract to a Malaysian company to construct ice plants on 11 islands, aiming to improve access to ice for local fishermen.
The agreement was signed with Altas Oil and Gas. Each island will receive a plant capable of producing 30 tonnes of ice per day and a facility to store 50 tonnes. The islands are HA. Dhidhdhoo, HDh. Kulhudhuffushi, Sh. Komandoo, AA. Rasdhoo, K. Gaafaru, M. Mulah, Dh. Hulhudheli, GA. Nilandhoo, GA. Vilingili, GA. Maamendhoo and GDh. Rathafandhoo.
State Minister for Fisheries Mohamed Muttalib signed on behalf of the government. The Malaysian company was represented by its senior executives. The project uses modern tube-ice technology that produces ice from seawater in an environmentally friendly manner. The contractor is responsible for design, supply, installation, testing, commissioning, warranty and maintenance.
The ministry said the plants will reduce the need for fishermen to travel long distances for ice, particularly during the peak fishing season. The government has not disclosed the total value of the contract.
Officials noted that the current national ice production capacity is about 1,700 tonnes per day, which is insufficient during peak periods. The new plants are intended to provide a more permanent solution closer to fishing communities.