Mafaaru Island Council has stated that 20 hectares of newly reclaimed land will be used for economic purposes.
Speaking to PSM News, President of Maafaru Island Council Mohamed Adnan said that the land in Maafaru will be utilised for economic purposes in accordance with a specific plan. He mentioned that the designated area for economic activities was used for the second phase of the development of Maafaru International Airport. As such, he said that land will be reclaimed on the island for economic purposes by the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC). The company is tasked with expanding the current runway by 650m, expanding the strip, as well as reclaiming land, and building coastal protection structures.
The council aims to establish the island as a local tourism destination upon completion of the second phase of the airport. The newly reclaimed land will address the housing issues on the island.
Ministry of Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure stated that the project will be completed within 300 days at a cost of USD 5.9 million. However, it will commence only after an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report has been conducted.