The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources has announced that the project to set up ice plants in 11 more islands is ready to start.

The ice plants are part of the efforts being made to solve the difficulties faced by fishermen in getting ice.

The ice plants will be set up under the project in Haa Alif Dhidhoo, Haa Dhaalu Kulhudhuffushi, Shaviyani Funadhoo, Shaviyani Komandoo, Lhaviyani Naifaru, Alif Alif Rasdhoo, Meemu Veyvah, Dhaalu Bandidhoo, Dhaalu Meedhoo and Gaafu Dhaalu Rathafandhoo.

Five of these ice plants have been funded by the Saudi Fund for Development. The remaining six plants will be set up at government expense.

The project will be awarded to the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO).

The ministry and MIFCO are working together to identify the problems encountered in providing services to some of the existing ice plants and find immediate solutions.