Government Aims to Develop Ihavandhoo as a Fishing Hub – President Nasheed

 

Meeting the people of the island last evening, the President noted that Ihavandhoo’s economy depended largely on fishing. He said, the government’s aim was to develop Ihavandhoo as a hub for improving fishing industry.

 

To achieve this goal, the President said, the government would develop the island’s harbour with all the facilities to foster trade and commercial activities.

 

He said the government also intended to link Ihavandhoo and Hoarafushi harbours, and develop both as one commercial harbour.

 

In addition, the President recalled that the government pledged to increase the value of fish to international level.

 

He said, in order to deliver this pledge, the government implemented two policy changes: abolishing licenses granted to international fishermen to do long line fishing in Maldives waters, and opening up the fishing industry for competition.

 

The President highlighted that these two changes have begun to yield benefits including increased fish catch and significant increase in the value of fish.

 

Outlining the government’s projects for the development of Ihavandhoo, the President revealed that construction of a water grid has been contracted for Rf45 million, and telemedicine facilities would be established in the island within this year.

 

After concluding his tour of North Thiladhunmathi Atoll, the President has today begun a tour of some islands of North Miladhunmadulu Atoll.