The import of perishable goods to Addu city from India is due to begin in July, the Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has said.
Efforts by MPL and the Hithadhoo regional port to ensure steady imports of perishable cargo needed by the people of Addu city have been successful, MPL CEO Mohamed Wajeeh said in a Facebook post yesterday.
The service will become available from July 1 onward, Wajeeh assured.
Goods will be transported to Addu city through India's Phoenix Group, the largest importer of perishable goods to the Maldives, MPL informed the media. Trips have been planned for a cargo boat to arrive in Addu city every 10 or 15 days, CEO Wajeeh said.
The service was previously only available during certain periods as the goods were carried by wood boats, Wajeeh added. As a result, goods needed to be taken from Male' to Addu city, he noted.
Steel ships are to be used to transport perishable goods to Addu city in July, which would ensure that the service is not interrupted.
"As the service will be provided by steel boats starting from 1 July, the service will be available throughout the whole year without interruption," Wajeeh wrote in the post.
Perishable items to be taken to Addu city as part of the service include eggs, onions and potatoes in addition to other types of fruits and vegetables. Moreover, other food items and general cargo that the Addu city people want to bring from India will also be available without interruption, Wajeeh said.
