The government has made deposits of MVR 17 million in September to fishermen who sold their catch to Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO).
MIFCO stated that the total price of fish weighed for purchase by the company between August 24 to September 25 is MVR 17,350,903. The government has completed this payment yesterday. In total, this government has now paid over MVR 879 million to fishermen.
It is a presidential pledge of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to settle payments to fishermen within 48 hours of sale of fish. However, with high payments overdue due from the last administration as well, the government has faced challenges in meeting this pledge. The government has, however, settled a large part of the due payments now.
Fishermen of Gaafu Alif Dhevvadhoo and Gaafu Dhaalu Dhaandhoo had obstructed Fisheries Ministry officials who visited those islands last week, claiming delays in receiving payments.