Minister Shiyam states yellowfin tuna factory, previously slated for completion this year, will take another 18 months to finish
The government has officially contracted a private company to commence the practical work on a 100-metric ton yellowfin tuna factory in Hulhumalé. Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam stated that the project is expected to be fully operational within 18 months, marking a significant step in fulfilling the government's pledge to address the long-standing concerns of yellowfin tuna fishermen.
Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam at Tuesday's sitting of the People's Majlis. | People's Majlis
Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam has stated that while efforts were initially underway to open and begin operations at the Hulhumale’ yellowfin tuna processing factory within this year, it will now take another year and a half to complete the facility.
During Tuesday's parliamentary sitting, Mauroof Zakir, the Member of Parliament for the Kendhoo constituency, questioned the Minister regarding the yellowfin tuna processing factory in Hulhumalé. The MP noted that the Minister had previously stated in March that efforts were underway to open the facility and commence operations within this year.
Responding to the question, the Minister stated that the contract to develop the 100-metric ton yellowfin tuna factory in Hulhumalé—a key pledge of the current administration—has now been awarded to a private company.
Last week, we officially contracted a project to establish a 100-metric-ton yellowfin tuna processing factory in Hulhumalé. Our objective is to provide a sustainable solution for yellowfin tuna fishermen, and we anticipate the entire facility will be fully operational within the next 18 months.Minister of Fisheries, Ahmed Shiyam
Minister Shiyam emphasized that the government will fulfill its pledge to yellowfin tuna fishermen through this factory. He noted that this remains the most significant priority among the requests made to the government by the fishermen, as part of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's presidential campaign promises.
Yellowfin tuna fishermen held a series of protests last December to voice their concerns to the government. As the demonstrations intensified, Fisheries Minister Shiyam met with a delegation from the fishermen's union on December 15, providing assurances that their demands would be addressed.
At the time, the Minister repeatedly stated that efforts would be made to open the specialized yellowfin tuna processing plant in Hulhumalé and begin operations within this year.
