The Maldives government has decided to grant a loan of MVR 3 million to establish an ice plant in Haa Dhaal atoll Makunudhoo island, and opened loan applications for interested parties on Wednesday.
President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom announced plans to establish an ice plant in Makunudhoo last October on an official visit to some islands of Haa Dhaal atoll. The president had vowed to develop an ice plant and fish market in Makunudhoo by the end of this year.
In a notice, Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture announced that it will release a loan of MVR 3 million to establish an ice plant of 25 tons in Makunudhoo. Interested parties are to submit their forms by April 5.
According to the ministry, the objective of the ice plant is to provide to store fish on board fishing vessels until they can deliver their catch to buyers. The loan is to cover expenses for the procurement of necessary machinery and equipment for the project.
Maximum three tons of ice are to be provided daily for a single boat. Hence, the ice plant in Makunudhoo can cater to eight boats every day.
In addition to the ice plants established by state run Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) in Lhaviyani atoll Felivaru island and Gaafu Alif atoll Kooddoo island, an ice plant has also been established in Gaafu Dhaal atoll Thinadhoo island. MIFCO added a second ice plant to Felivaru last year and plans to develop plants in total nine islands, including Gaafu Alif atoll Gemanafushi island.
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