Gov’t to Distribute MVR 70 Million to Fishermen Today

The Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, Ahmed Shiyam, has announced the government’s commitment to distributing MVR 70 million to fishermen by the close of today.

Following the disbursement of over MVR 400 million to fishermen, with MIFCO overseeing the weighing of their catch, an outstanding payment of MVR 300 million remains unresolved. 

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In response to fishermen’s protests demanding the settlement of these outstanding payments, the government has pledged to settle one-third of the amount, MVR 100 million, by the upcoming Monday. The remaining balance is set to be dispersed before the 5th of the following month, as per governmental assurance.

The Minister reiterated ongoing efforts to ensure the complete settlement of outstanding payments to fishermen by the stipulated deadline of the 5th of the following month.

Shiyam highlighted that once fishermen are fully reimbursed, efforts will commence to ensure payments are made within a week after the weighing of the fish.

Moreover, he noted that the government has decided to begin reimbursing fishermen within 48 hours of the fish being weighed, in line with the commitment made by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, who has endorsed this development.

Despite ongoing protests by fishermen, spanning over three days, the government had initially proposed timelines for payment settlements. However, fishermen remained steadfast in their demand for resolution before ceasing their demonstrations.

Minister Shiyam and senior representatives of MIFCO personally engaged with fishermen in Kooddoo but were unable to reach an agreement.

During a ceremony in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll Gadhdhoo on Tuesday night, Muizzu assured that payments would not be withheld if funds were available, attributing delays to challenges in expenditure management stemming from escalating state debt.