Saudi Fund for Development Supports Maldives with New Ice Plant Projects

The Ministry of Finance has issued a new announcement seeking parties to install ice plants at five additional locations in the Maldives, funded by the Saudi Fund for Development. This initiative aims to enhance local infrastructure and support the fishing industry across various atolls.

The targeted locations for the ice plants include Dhidhdhoo in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Rasdhoo in Alif Alif Atoll, Rathafandhoo in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Ihavandhoo in Haa Alif Atoll, and Komandoo in Shaviyani Atoll. Each site will host a 50-tonne capacity ice plant, aimed at improving local storage and distribution of seafood.

Interested parties must comply with an international bidding policy. A non-refundable registration fee of USD 100 is required, with payment accepted from tomorrow until October 15. Additionally, a bid security deposit of MVR 250,000 is mandatory.

Bidding for this project will begin on September 20, with eligible bidders selected based on their proposals. This move is part of a broader initiative, as the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources announced in April that it is working on developing ice plants in eleven local islands, also funded by the Saudi Fund for Development.

Currently, 25 ice plants are operational across various regions in the Maldives, and this new project is expected to significantly enhance the local fishing sector's capabilities.