An agreement has been signed with a Malaysian company where they will develop ice plants across 11 islands capable of producing 30 tonnes of ice daily.
The agreement with Altus Oil and Gas Malaysia Sdn Bhd was signed at a ceremony held at Maagiri Hotel by State Minister of the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Mohamed Muththalib.
The ministry said the project will see plants capable of producing 30 tonnes of ice daily being developed at each island.
The islands where the ice plants will be established under the project are:
- HA. Dhidhdhoo
- HDh. Kulhudhuffushi
- Sh. Komandhoo
- Dh. Hulhudheli
- K. Gaafaru
- AA. Rasdhoo
- M. Mulah
- GA. Nilandhoo
- GA. Vilingili
- GA. Maamendhoo
- GDh. Rathafandhoo
The ministry stated the project will move forward at these islands on a design, build and supply basis.
Under the project, a 30-ton ice plant will be designed, technical efforts will be coordinated and the adequate amount of ice plant equipment will be provided to operate at the island, said the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources.
The ministry also stated a system where salt water from the seas will be used for cooling will be included as well.
Additionally, the company will be in charge of constructing the ice plant, installation and testing, along with completing all efforts to make the plant operational, coordinating equipment transfer, project management, document preparation and work delegation, said the ministry.
Once the ice plants are completed, fishermen will be able to acquire fresh ice with ease, with travel and time for fishermen to acquire ice seeing major reductions, the ministry said.
