The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has been awarded the second phase of a significant land reclamation project in Naifaru, Lhaviyani Atoll, crucial for its development into a modern urban centre.
The USD 44 million contract entails dredging 44.8 hectares of land and constructing vital coastal protection infrastructure.
The agreement was formally signed on Monday between Minister Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Dr Abdulla Muththalib, representing the government, and MTCC Managing Director (DCP Retd) Ahmed Saudee.
This ambitious undertaking aligns with the government's strategic vision, championed by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, to establish Naifaru as one of seven regional urban hubs across the Maldives. These centres are designed to decentralise premium services and facilities, catering to a growing population and fostering regional development throughout the archipelago.
Under the terms of the contract, MTCC will not only reclaim 44.8 hectares of land but also fortify the new area with an extensive 1813 meters of rock revetment, an 803-meter rock outer shoreline, and a 474-meter rock groyne. The comprehensive project is slated for completion within a target timeframe of one year and nine months.
The awarded contract builds upon existing efforts, with MTCC currently engaged in an earlier 21-hectare dredging project in Naifaru. President Dr Muizzu had previously outlined plans in March last year to dredge a total of 45 hectares, emphasising that such land availability is paramount for regional development.
Naifaru, with a population exceeding 5,700, has a high demand for land, a need that has seen previous reclamation efforts, including a 16-hectare project in 2004.
The expansion is expected to unlock significant opportunities, providing much-needed land for housing units, industrial activities, and the establishment of essential public services, thereby transforming Naifaru into a fully-fledged urban hub capable of serving a broad populace.
MTCC Awarded Naifaru Harbour Development Contract
In a related development, MTCC was officially awarded the contract for the comprehensive development of the Naifaru harbour on Monday, a crucial infrastructure project valued at USD 3.1 million.
The initiative aims to significantly enhance maritime capabilities and accommodate the growing population and marine vessel traffic on the island. The project is slated for completion within one year.
The ambitious undertaking encompasses a wide scope designed to modernise the harbour and improve its functionality. Key components of the project include the dredging of 26,960 cubic metres of canal to improve navigateability, the installation of 340 metres of inner coastline and an additional 182 meters of outer coastline and the construction of 1,390 square metres of pavement within the harbour area. In addition, the development will see the installation of modern port lights, enhancing safety and operational efficiency, particularly during night hours.
The existing harbour, despite having undergone two previous development phases, has become increasingly inadequate for the current scale of operations, necessitating this comprehensive upgrade to meet contemporary demands and facilitate smoother logistics for the community.