Azim: An MDP administration will complete fisheries projects and provide relief to fishermen

Male' City Mayor Adam Azim, who is campaigning as the running mate for former Vice President Faisal Naseem in the upcoming MDP presidential primary, has assured that an MDP administration will provide a comprehensive solution to the challenges facing fishermen.

Faisal Naseem and Adam Azim have been meeting with residents of the Greater Male' area to assess their general welfare. During a visit to the Male' Fish Market on Sunday to meet with local fishermen and understand their concerns, Azim noted that the primary grievances involve shortages of ice and fuel, as well as the lack of fair pricing for their catch. Furthermore, Azim stated that fishermen highlighted the increasing involvement of undocumented expatriates in the industry, which is leading to a significant loss of local fisheries revenue to foreign markets.

The Male' City Council had finalized all preparations to construct a new fish market, only for the government to take over the project under the pretense of building it themselves, yet they have failed to take any action since. Furthermore, while we were working on establishing an alternative market to facilitate this development, they intervened to halt that project as well. It appears as though this administration is operating under the impression that the public elected them solely to obstruct progress and cause undue hardship for the citizens.

Adam Azim

Referring to the market construction project, Azim stated that although the project was initiated during President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s tenure as Mayor by awarding contracts to several parties, the work had been carried out in a highly negligent and irresponsible manner. Azim noted that once the Male' City Council rectified these issues and prepared to resume the work, the government intervened and halted the project. He further asserted that the current administration lacks any genuine intention to improve the situation. He also highlighted that due to mismanagement and rampant corruption within MIFCO, fishermen are being deprived of their rightful earnings.

Furthermore, he stated that after promising to increase fish prices, raising the rate by a mere 3 Rufiyaa is an unacceptable move that mocks the fishing community.

Azim further stated that an MDP administration would complete the major fisheries projects initiated across the north, south, and central regions of the Maldives, providing significant relief to fishermen. He noted that once these projects are finalized, fishermen will benefit from better prices, faster weighing processes, and easier access to affordable fuel and ice. Furthermore, Azim, on behalf of Faisal Naseem, assured that the establishment of cold storage facilities and the implementation of direct export mechanisms from islands would create numerous job opportunities for local residents.