Govt has no Desire to Control Fisheries Industry, Want to Empower Fishermen, President insists

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Sunday, expressed his wish to hand the reins of the country’s fisheries industry over to local fishermen.

Addressing the residents of Rasdhoo island, during his ongoing two-day visit to several islands in the Alifu Alifu and Kaafu Atolls, the President admitted that like most islands, Rasdhoo remains in need of development.

The President assured his presidential pledges to Rasdhoo island will be fulfilled adding that next year’s state budget will see projects implemented in Rasdhoo and across the country.

However, he also pointed out the budgetary constraints the administration had faced this year due to the dire economic situation of the island nation.

“The budget [this year] is tied down severely inhibiting developmental projects as tiny amounts have been allocated for projects. This is what the whole country is facing. So we did what we could. 50 harbours have been completed,” the President said.

“But next year we can do a whole lot more. Priority will be given to fulfill my presidential pledges.”

The President said he would not abandon a single project he had pledged to Rasdhoo and other islands.

He assured that the development of the Rasdhoo harbour, the establishment of an ice plant and other projects will also be carried out as promised, adding that the people will witness the commencement of construction, social and economic projects in January.

The President also said that Rasdhoo remains renowned as a fishing and tourism island, noting that the island boasts a dozen fishing vessels. The government is working on establishing an ice plant in the island with the generous assistance of the Saudi Fund for Development, he added.

In his address, the President detailed the efforts underway to provide opportunities to fishermen noting the recently launched financial assistance scheme to install RSW on fishing vessels.

The President insisted that the government has no desire to control the fisheries industry, adding that he would be more than willing to hand the reins of control over to the fishermen.

“We want the councils to operate the ice plants if they wish. We want to run a government exactly how the people want,” he said.

The President also urged tourism operators and fishermen in Rashshoo to bring their concerns to his attention.