Minister: Challenges in fisheries industry to be resolved in first three years

Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam has affirmed that the current administration will resolve the challenges in the fisheries industry within the first three years of the ongoing term.

He made the remark while speaking at a ceremony held on Thursday afternoon to launch a project to establish fuel storages in all atolls of the Maldives.

Minister Shiyam underscored the fisheries industry as the industry that had been facing the most severe challenges when the current administration assumed office, adding temporary solutions always resort to resolve these issues.

As examples, he pointed out that that if a fuel shortage arises, an oil barge is sent to resolve the issue while if there are difficulties in weighing fish, a fish boat will be sent to the particular area to resolve the issue; all which is usually accomplished in a day.

Minister Shiyam, citing Lh. Felivaru fisheries complex as the first such facility established in the Maldives, emphasized that there has been no development to the facility in 47 years. He attributed this to the implementation of temporary solutions for issues arising at the facility.

Speaking further, the Minister said President Muizzu envisions a bright future for fishermen and in this trajectory, commenced efforts to resolve the challenges in the industry on September 30^th of last year.

“He had commenced efforts to resolve the challenges faced by fishermen before he even took oath. As part of his commitment to resolve all obstructions faced in the industry, we, under his guidance and by the will of Almighty, will resolve the most severe obstructions within the first three years of the current term,” he said.

He particularly cited the need to resolve the issue of fishermen being forced to purchase fuel at high prices – for which he added, that expenses will be incurred.