The government has decided to establish ice plants in 15 additional islands next year, Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam announced today.

Speaking at a press conference held at the President's Office, Minister Shiyam noted that fishermen frequently express concern over the scarcity of ice during peak fishing seasons. To address these challenges, the administration is prioritizing the installation of ice facilities in the most heavily affected regions.

Currently, cold storage and ice supply arrangements have been established in five islands: GA. Devvadhoo, Sh. Funadhoo, Dh. Meedhoo, Dh. Bandidhoo, and GA. Gemanafushi.

Shiyam added that facilities in two more islands—a 60-ton ice plant in M. Veyvah and a 25-ton plant in L. Maabaidhoo—are on track to be completed by the end of this year. The upcoming project for the 15 islands will soon be awarded under a contract finance model, with the government aiming to have the new plants operational by mid-2027.

The islands scheduled for ice plant installations in 2027 and their capacities are:

  • HDh. Kulhudhuffushi – 30 tons
  • Dh. Hulhudheli – 30 tons
  • M. Mulah – 30 tons
  • GA. Dhaandhoo – 30 tons
  • GA. Villingili – 30 tons
  • K. Gaafaru – 30 tons
  • HA. Dhidhdhoo – 30 tons
  • AA. Rasdhoo – 30 tons
  • GDh. Rathafandhoo – 30 tons
  • Sh. Komandoo – 30 tons
  • Lh. Naifaru – 40 tons
  • L. Maavah – 10 tons
  • L. Hithadhoo – 10 tons
  • GA. Nilandhoo – 30 tons
  • B. Kudarikilu – 5 tons