Minister: Funds for Addu fisheries complex secured; physical works to begin next year

Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam states funds required for the development of Addu fisheries complex has been secured, adding physical works will commence next year.

At Wednesday's parliamentary sitting, MDP’s Maradhoo MP Ahmed Didi pointed out that the expansion of the Addu fisheries complex was a pledge of the current administration and crucially needed by the fishermen. Henceforth, he inquired when physical works could commence on the project.

In response, Minister Shiyam said the funding required for the project has been arranged. He added that physical works on the project will commence in early 2025, with the project expected to conclude in early 2026.

While Addu fisheries complex presently has a 1,500-ton storage capacity and 50-ton brine freezing capacity, the Minister said the capacity at the facility will be increased to 2,500-ton at the of the project.

“We hope to increase the capacity of this facility to 2,500-ton with an additional 1,000-ton storage capacity alongside a 50-ton brine freezing capacity,” he said.

Speaking further, Minister Shiyam said the former administration, despite promising to commence physical works on the development of Addu fisheries complex, had failed to do so. He assured that the current administration will see the project to completion.

Notably, a protest was held at Addu fisheries complex earlier this year over the delays in pending dues to fishermen which saw electricity to the facility cut off disrupting its operations.