The government plans to complete the cold storage facility in Thinadhoo by next year, announced Fisheries and Ocean Resources Minister Ahmed Shiyam during a meeting with local fishermen.
During Minister Shiyam’s ongoing visit to Thinadhoo, he engaged directly with the fishermen, where several concerns were raised, primarily the ongoing oil supply issue and delayed payments. The fishermen expressed frustrations over not receiving fuel on credit from MIFCO (Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company) and FSM (Fuel Supplies Maldives), making it difficult to continue their fishing operations without upfront payments.
They also highlighted that delays in receiving payment for their catch put additional strain on refueling. As a result, they requested immediate action from the ministry to ensure timely oil supplies.
Beyond the immediate oil crisis, the fishermen urged the government to support the construction of a new wooden fishing boat in Thinadhoo and called for the promotion of farm fishing in the region.
In response, Minister Shiyam reassured the fishermen that efforts were already underway to address the fuel supply problem. He promised to hold further meetings with stakeholders, including MIFCO and FSM, to find a resolution. The minister affirmed the ministry’s commitment to assisting the fishermen and ensuring their concerns are addressed promptly.
Looking ahead, Minister Shiyam also shared updates on the construction of the cold storage facility in Thinadhoo. He emphasised that the government is prioritizing this project and expects its completion by next year, allowing for the resumption of fish purchasing in the city. The project aims to improve the efficiency of the fishery supply chain by providing modern cold storage capabilities for fish preservation.
During the meeting, the minister also briefed the fishermen on the latest advancements in the Refrigerated Seawater (RSW) system and discussed updates regarding the fishermen’s register, aiming to streamline communication and resource distribution for fishing communities.
