The government has revealed plans to open the Kudagiri Picnic Island to the public by the end of July.
Kudagiri is currently under development as a picnic island for residents of the Greater Male’ Region. The island is being developed jointly by state-owned companies.
On June 16, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Vice President Faisal Naseem visited Kudagiri to observe the progress of the project. They were accompanied by senior officials of state-owned companies.
Eight hectares of land were reclaimed by the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) for the development of the picnic island. MTCC is currently developing the beaches and shore protection structures of the island, as well as jetty, reception and staff accommodation.
The masterplan of the picnic island was developed by Housing Development Corporation (HDC). Managing Director of HDC Suhail Ahmed revealed all services except accommodation will be available when the island is opened to the public. As such, he said public toilets, changing rooms and huts as well as water sports facilities will be made available to the public. He added accommodation blocks will be developed under the second phase of the project.
The utilities services of the island are being developed jointly by Male’ Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC), Fenaka Corporation and State Electric Company (STELCO). The companies are working to complete the utilities services of the island by next month.
Residents of the Greater Male’ Region currently do not have a convenient picnic location. The residents in the capital region lost the only picnic island within the accessible proximity following the redevelopment of Kudabandos as a resort.