Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has commenced land reclamation of the area reclaimed under the Mathikomandoo Connectivity Project.
MTCC stated that the chartered dredger Filipo Brunelleschi is undertaking the reclamation in the area after the successful completion of the land reclamation in Ihavandhoo Haa Alifu Atoll. The scope of the connectivity project includes reclamation operations of 16.7 hectares and connecting Komandoo and Mathikomandoo with a 200m link, as well as 1,690m of shore protection rectification. The project is tasked to be completed within six months at a cost of USD16.2 million.
The Mathikomandoo Connectivity Project aims to alleviate the land shortage issue in Komandoo, which has halted housing development and socio-economic opportunities, resulting in many residents leaving the island. Komandoo spans nine hectares and consists of 1,900 registered residents, while only 600 currently live on the island. The government decided to provide a long-term solution to the issue by developing shore protection structures and reclaiming part of Mathikomandoo.