Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has stated that the Harbour Extension and Jetty Construction Project in Dhidhdhoo, Haa Alifu Atoll, has been delayed due to some design changes.
The Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure contracted the Harbour Extension and Jetty Construction Project in Dhidhdhoo to MTCC in 2021. The state-owned company is tasked with completing the project within 365 days at a cost of USD4.5 million.
The project includes expanding the existing harbour and jetty construction. The harbour was about 300m long and 250m wide. With the new extension, the size of the harbour will double. Regarding the progress of the project, MTCC stated that 61% of the project has been completed, including the construction of the harbour and jetty.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Adam Azim said there are delays in the project due to the various changes made to the harbour after the work began. He said that every change made after construction begins requires changes in the design and technical works of the project. He requested the council and the residents of the islands to submit the changes they require before the practical work starts. He also said that the project duration and cost will also increase with such changes.
The scope of the work includes dredging and excavation operations of 78,000cbm, construction of a 616m breakwater, construction of 58m groynes, a 185m revetment, a 326m quay wall, construction of 4,320sqm harbor pavement and 2 concrete platforms with the supply and installation of harbor lights.
Dhidhdhoo has a population of over 5,000. Many residents of Haa Alifu Atoll travel to Dhidhdhoo every day for hospital visits as well as business and administrative purposes. As such, several vessels enter and exit the Dhidhdhoo harbour on a daily basis and experience challenges due to the current condition of the harbour.