Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has confirmed that 40 hectares of land have now been successfully dredged marking significant progress in the Hulhumale’ Phase Three land reclamation project.
MACL said the completed work represents approximately 63.5 per cent of the total planned reclamation area of 63 hectares.
The company also confirmed that the newly reclaimed land has now physically connected Hulhumale’ to the nearby island of Farukolhufushi. Previously operated as a resort, Farukolhufushi has more recently been used as a venue for weddings and other events. The physical connection is expected to facilitate integrated development in the area.
The government-contracted project, awarded to Sri Lanka’s Capital Marine and Civil Construction (CMC), resumed on 10 November after several pauses following its initial commencement in October 2023.
MACL reported that dredging work is currently progressing at an accelerated pace, with nine hectares reclaimed within the past seven days alone.
Two dredging vessels are engaged in the operation — Prins der Nederlanden and Oranje.
MACL, which is supervising the project, stated that dredging of the full 63-hectare reclamation area is expected to be completed within the next 45 days.