Despite Fisheries Minister Shiyam’s claims, fishermen in Meemu Atoll are unable to access fuel or ice
The Mulah Island Council has highlighted significant challenges facing local fishermen due to a critical shortage of fuel and ice supplies in Meemu Atoll. Council President Ahmed Jamaal expressed concern over the lack of a response from the Fisheries Minister despite repeated requests for a meeting to address these grievances. Furthermore, Jamaal noted that the ongoing suspension of the cold storage project in Mulah remains a major obstacle to the development of the region's fishing industry.
Mulah Council President Ahmed Jamaal speaking during Saturday's "Fashaairu" program. | RaajjeMV
It has come to light that Meemu Atoll lacks access to fuel and ice supplies, despite being a prominent fishing region.
Speaking on Saturday's "Fashaairu" program, Mulah Council President Ahmed Jamaal highlighted that Meemu Atoll is a prominent fishing region with a high level of local participation in the industry. He noted that five vessels from Mulah are currently active in fishing operations.
Highlighting the severe challenges faced by fishermen, Jamaal stated that ice and fuel remain unavailable to them in Meemu Atoll. He further noted that despite Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam’s assurances that ice and fuel would be accessible across all atolls, this is not the reality on the ground. Jamaal added that the council has requested to meet with Minister Shiyam on several occasions to address these concerns.
Jamaal stated that although an online meeting had recently been scheduled, it was cancelled shortly before the start time due to a change in Minister Shiyam’s schedule. He added that the Ministry has not yet provided a new date for the meeting.
During the previous administration, work commenced on a cold storage facility in Mulah, with the harbor development reaching near completion. However, construction of the necessary onshore buildings and infrastructure has yet to make any progress. This remains a significant challenge for the fishing community. The current shortage of fuel and ice is a particularly pressing issue for fishermen. This lack of essential services is not limited to Mulah; the absence of such facilities across Meemu Atoll is a major concern for all fishermen in the region.Ahmed Jamaal, President of the Mulah Island Council
Jamaal stated that while former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration had undertaken significant successful initiatives to advance the fishing industry, the current government is showing gross negligence toward the sector. He further noted that no solutions have been provided to the challenges facing fishermen to date.
