The government has stated that by next week Monday, the vessels will be paid their unsettled dues of MVR 100 million.
Kooddoo Fisheries Complex, located in Gaafu Alifu atoll, has resumed operations following a three-day hiatus due to protests on the island.
While the operations of the factory began last night, the weighing and purchasing of catch started this morning.
A lead activist in the protest said that the fishing vessels, which had gone to Koodhoo for the protest, have also left the island. Currently, only fishing vessels that are docked to weigh their catch are present on the island, he said.
According to him, the operation at Kooddoo was allowed to resume after the government began releasing funds to the fishing vessels last evening, and the government had assured the fishermen that they would deposit the funds within 48 hours after March 5.
"This shows that fishermen will not remain silent now, unlike when past governments neglected them. We will ensure our rights," he said.
The government has stated that by next week Monday, the vessels will be paid their unsettled dues of MVR 100 million.
Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, Ahmed Shiyam, said that MVR 70 million was paid last night, an additional MVR 70 million will be paid today, and the remaining MVR 30 million will be paid out before next Monday.
Minister Shiyam stated that the government is actively working to settle all outstanding dues before March 5.
After settling the funds to the fishermen by March 5, the process will commence to make payments within a week for the weighed catch at the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO), he added.
The government has decided to expedite the process of releasing funds to fishermen within 48 hours of weighing their catch at MIFCO, within the earlier stage of this term, in line with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's promise. The President has also endorsed this decision.
Sign In