Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has contracted the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company Limited (MTCC) to complete shore protection projects in Omadhoo in Alifu Dhaalu Atoll and Maakurathu in Raa Atoll.
The agreement was signed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTCC Adam Azim and the Director General of the Planning Ministry Fathimath Shaana Farooq. MTCC is tasked with completing the shore protection project in Omadhoo within 180 days at a cost of USD654,000 and the project in Maakurathu within 150 days at a cost of USD786,000.
The scope of the project in Omadhoo includes 19,000cbm beach nourishment and the construction of a 214m groyne. Omadhoo has a population of 1,000 residents and a thriving local tourism industry with 14 guesthouses. However, the island has been grappling with persistent erosion, resulting in significant alterations to its shoreline and the toppling of trees. The local council stated that erosion is affecting tourism but expressed hope that the shore protection project will solve the issue.
Additionally, the scope of the project in Maakurathu includes 6,000cbm back-filling operations and the construction of a 317m revetment. A large part of the western shore has been affected by erosion but the shore protection project is expected to prevent further damage.