Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer has said that the government has not impeded the construction of a fish factory in GDh. Gadhdhoo.
The Minister provided details on the fish factory project in Gadhdhoo in response to inquiries by Gadhdhoo MP Ahmed Zahir. The MP said the Gadhdhoo fish factory project was part of the main-ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)'s manifesto, as well as the manifesto of the ruling coalition. He noted that a private party was ready to operate the fish factory with the island's council under a bid made by Gadhdhoo Council. Alleging that the government was holding back the project from moving forward, he inquired from the Minister about the reason behind impeding the project. The MP also asked whether the Finance Minister intended to propose to the Cabinet to change the policy of building neighborhood fish factories.
In his written reply, the Minister did not give a clear answer to the issue raised in the member's question. Minister Ameer said that as per the Public Finance Act if a procurement's value exceeds MVR 5 million, the project must be submitted to the National Tender Board and carried out as per the Tender Board's decision.
The Minister further said his Ministry had not done any procurement work in connection with the announcement made by the Gadhdhoo Island Council to build a fish factory on the island.
Minister Ameer and MP Ahmed Zahir are two from Gadhdhoo island.
Members previously moved and debated a motion over the delay in the construction of neighborhood fish factories. Some senior MDP leaders and members of the party have also criticized the government for delaying the construction of the fish factories.
