The contract for the Kooddoo Cold Storage Expansion Project, aimed at boosting cold storage capacity to 4,000 tons, has been awarded to Lucky Global Projects. This agreement includes the construction of the expanded storage facility and a new power system on Kooddoo Island in Gaafu Alif Atoll, with a one-year timeline for completion. The project, valued at MVR 6.6 million, is supported by funding from the Saudi Fund for Development.
The contract signing ceremony took place today at the President’s Office. Kooddoo currently has a 2,000-ton cold storage capacity, but with this expansion, the government is advancing towards its goal of raising the national cold storage capacity to 25,000 tons by the end of the current presidential term, from the current 8,500 tons.
During the ceremony, funds were also allocated to private entities for establishing saltwater-based fish storage systems on fishing vessels, reducing the need for frequent trips to secure ice and thus lowering fuel expenses. Currently, 74 vessels have this system, and the project aims to equip up to 115 vessels in total.
The Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources noted that this initiative is set to enhance efficiency in fish preservation and support the fishing community’s operational needs.
