The development of a 200-metric-tonne cold storage facility in Th. Hirilandhoo has officially been awarded to SJ Construction Private Limited, following the formal signing of the project agreement. The initiative fulfills a key presidential pledge aimed at establishing fish preservation infrastructure on the island, addressing a long-standing challenge faced by local fishers and processing operations.
Hirilandhoo processes significant quantities of catch daily—purchasing around 30 tonnes per day to produce various value-added fish products. Given the scale of processing, access to modern refrigeration has become an urgent necessity to prevent spoilage and maintain raw product quality over extended periods. The project is being executed under the Private Sector Initiative model.
Under the contract, SJ Construction will develop a comprehensive complex featuring a 200-metric-tonne cold storage unit, a 10-metric-tonne blast freezer, a 0-degree Celsius anteroom, and a dedicated fish-processing area. The scope of work also encompasses complete civil and site development, including a compressor room, backup generator, electrical distribution, fire protection systems, and extra-low voltage (ELV) networks.
Once operational, the facility will eliminate the need to discard surplus catch during peak fishing periods by enabling long-term cold storage. It will also guarantee a steady, uninterrupted supply of raw fish for local households and enterprises engaged in boiling, drying, and smoking fish throughout the year.
The establishment of this storage infrastructure is expected to provide a substantial boost to Hirilandhoo's local economy, ensuring higher, more consistent earnings for fishermen while allowing island-based processing businesses to capture maximum value from the marine catch.