The Fisheries Ministry has signed an agreement with a Malaysian company to build ice plants on 11 islands, each able to produce 30 tonnes of ice a day and store 50 tonnes.
The agreement with Altus Oil and Gas Malaysia Sdn Bhd was signed on 19 October by State Minister Mohamed Muthalib at a ceremony at Maagiri Hotel.
The Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources has been announcing the signings island by island, describing each as a project to establish a 30-tonne ice plant with a 50-tonne storage facility.
The 11 islands
HA. Dhidhdhoo
HDh. Kulhudhuffushi
Sh. Komandoo
Dh. Hulhudheli
K. Gaafaru
AA. Rasdhoo
M. Mulah
GA. Nilandhoo
GA. Vilingili
GA. Maamendhoo
GDh. Rathafandhoo
What the contract covers
The work will be carried out on a design, build and supply basis, the ministry said. The company will design the plants, oversee the technical work and supply tube ice plant equipment suited to running on the islands.
The plants will use a seawater-based cooling system, which the ministry said was chosen to suit the Maldives' marine environment.
The company is also responsible for installing, testing and commissioning the plants, transporting equipment, managing the project, and preparing the documentation needed to hand the plants over, according to the ministry.