As per the state's assurance to reimburse MVR 100 million, one third of the fishermen's unsettled payments by Monday, the government has determined to settle MVR 70 million to the fishermen by end of today while the remaining will be settled on Monday.
Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has stated that the government has determined to distribute MVR 70 million to the fishermen by the end of today.
While the state has distributed over MVR 400 million to fishermen after weighing their catch at MIFCO, a payment of MVR 300 million remains unsettled. Following the protests of the fishermen demanding for the distribution of unsettled payments, the state had assured to settle one third of the fishermen’s payments, MVR 100 million before Monday next week. The remaining payment will be dispersed before the 5th of next month, as stated by the government.
Speaking to Mihaaru News yesterday, Fisheries Minister, Shiyam stated that efforts have begun to distribute MVR 70 million of the MVR 100 million vowed to be settled before Monday next week.
“Settlement procedures of this MVR 70 million will proceed today and tomorrow. The remaining MVR 30 million will be settled and concluded on Monday. We have begun procedures for dispersing this MVR 70 million to the sailors.” Shiyam said on Wednesday.
The Minister assured that efforts are ensuing to distribute all unsettled payments of the fishermen before the fifth of next month as directed by the government.
“With God’s will, we will remain true to our word,” he said.
Minister highlighted that following the conclusion of the fishermen’s full reimbursements, efforts will begin to ensure payments are dispersed to the fishermen a week after the fish caught has been weighed.
Furthermore, he remarked that the state has decided on commencing the reimbursement of the fish weighed within 48 hours as pledged by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. The president Muizzu has also authorized this progress.
With the fishermen’s ongoing protests that has extended over three days, the state had initially offered dates for the settlement of payments, however, the fishermen had prevailed their stance to continue their demonstration until the payment has been settled.
Fisheries Minister, Shiyam and senior representatives of MIFCO had also personally visited Kooddoo and deliberated with the fishermen. However, the fishermen had refused to settle on an agreement.
At a ceremony in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll Gadhdhoo on Tuesday night, President Muizzu assured that the state will not deliberately withhold payments if the funds were available. He has been reiterating that the difficulty in dispersing the money is due to the hindered expense arrangements caused by increasing state debt.
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