The previous Solih administration had substantially completed the Meemu Fish Port Project in Mulah before work halted under the current government. A 500-ton cold storage facility agreement was signed with a Saudi company in October 2023 for 5.1 million dollars, but no construction has begun over a year later. These projects are critical for Mulah's 1,800 residents who depend on fishing for their livelihoods.
Meemu Fish Port project stalls under Muizzu administration
Mohamed Ihusan, a National Congress member of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) representing the Mulah constituency, has stated that while a significant portion of the "Meemu Fish Port Project" was completed, all work on the project has now come to a halt under the current government.
Speaking on RaajjeTV's "Vaudhunaama" program, Ihusan emphasized that the previous administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had made extensive efforts to enhance fishing facilities and establish an efficient system for fishermen to sell their catch in Mulah and its surrounding constituency.
Referring specifically to the Meemu Fish Port Project, Ihusan pointed out that a substantial part of the project had been completed by the time the government transitioned, but since the new administration took over, all progress has effectively stopped.
In addition to this, Ihusan also highlighted that the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources had signed an agreement with Saudi Arabia's R.O.S. For Trading company to construct a 500-ton cold storage facility in Mulah. However, he noted that over a year has passed since the agreement was signed, yet no practical work has begun on the project.
The agreement for the cold storage facility was signed in October 2023. According to the fisheries ministry, the facility planned for Mulah is designed to have the capacity to brain-freeze 50 tons of fish daily. The project, which includes the design work and construction of the facility, was initially set to be completed within 300 days, with a projected cost of 5.1 million U.S. Dollars, as announced by the ministry.
The Solih administration had completed a significant portion of the Meemu Fish Port Project, which was being developed by the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) at a cost of MVR 52.95 million.
With a population of approximately 1,800 people, the residents of Mulaku are largely dependent on fishing for their livelihoods, making the further development of such critical projects a top priority for the community.
