Dhaandhoo Island Council has revealed that about four hectares have been reclaimed as part of the land reclamation project of Dhaandhoo, Gaafu Alifu Atoll.
The Land Reclamation and Shore Protection Project of Dhaandhoo was contracted to the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) by Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure in November 2020. The scope of the project consists of dredging and reclamation operations of 25 hectares, construction of a 1,238m rock boulder revetment, and 240m groynes. MTCC is tasked with completing the project at a cost of USD12 million.
Dhaandhoo has a population of 2,000 residents. A land reclamation project was conducted years earlier for residential housing and for the establishment of essential services. However, the new land reclamation project commenced in response to the increasing population in the island. Additionally, the project aims to increase the economic prospects of the island, which currently relies on fishing, by leasing land to businesses.
The government implements various development projects in the islands regardless of the population.