Subsidies to fishermen will commence next month: Deputy Minister

Deputy Minister of Fisheries Ali Solih has said that work is underway to commence the provision of subsidies to fishermen next month.

Speaking at a press conference at DRP Office, Solih said that Fisheries Ministry is working on commencing the payment of subsidies as assigned in this year’s government budget to fishermen.

He said that the issue will be submitted to Parliament Finance Committee next week. Subsidies can only be released as agreed by this committee. As the members of the committee belong to parties represented in the current government coalition, Solih was confident that this issue will be supported by the committee.

He therefore believes that the payment of subsidies can commence in April.

Solih further said that work is underway to make ice available to fishermen in Male’ and nearby islands. This request was made by DRP earlier, and denied by the former government. Solih said that ice will be available to fishermen near Male’ very soon.

He further said that proposals and plans are being drawn up for the construction of a fishermen’s harbour in Hulhumale’. As work progresses, more information will be accorded by relevant institutions.