Parliamentarian Yaugoob Abdulla has praised the government for meeting the expectations of residents in the development of Dhaandhoo, Gaafu Alifu Atoll. He made the remarks at the ceremony to inaugurate the land reclamation project in Dhaandhoo and the launching of the new cutter suction dredger of the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC).
At the ceremony, Parliamentarian Yaugoob said residents of Dhaandhoo are in need of development but the island was previously neglected and noted development can only be achieved after listening to the citizens but previous policies had ignored their wishes. He highlighted the large number of development projects ongoing in Dhaandhoo and praised President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih for introducing a decentralised system that allows institutions to commence development in accordance with the expectations of the citizens. He said the government prioritises development projects which are requested by residents of Dhaandhoo, including reclamation and housing. He added a project has been planned to develop a recreational area at the beach.
The Land Reclamation and Shore Protection Project of Dhaandhoo was contracted to MTCC by the 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.