The government of Maldives has launched two mega projects to protect the coastal area of Hulhudhoo in Addu City and to develop the largest sewerage management system in the country. The projects were officially launched by Environment Minister Thoriq Ibrahim.
Addressing the inaugural function Minister Thoriq Ibrahim said that the project, for which over MVR 24 million were earmarked from the state budget, would see a 1300 metre seawall built around the island. The project is to be completed by November this year.
The second project, to establish the largest ever sewerage system in the country in the linked islands of Addu City was also launched at a separate function.
Minister Thoriq maintained that it was during the Yameen administration that development was targeted towards Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo in Addu City. He described President Yameen as a man, who was in sync with the emotions of the masses. He said that previous administrations neglected the development of Addu City and have done nothing for its progress.
The project to develop the largest sewerage system in the country in the islands of Maradhoo, MaradhooFeydhoo and Feydhoo has been assigned to Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC). Managing Director of MTCC Ibrahim Ziyath expressed hope to complete the project, estimated to cost approximately MVR 130 million, prior to the given deadline. Ziyath also said that the project would create 50 employment opportunities. The 38 kilometre long sewerage network would be backed by a 3387 tonne sewerage treatment plant.
The establishment of the sewerage network in north and south Hithadhoo Island has been assigned to Maldives Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC). The Managing Director of MWSC Ibrahim Fazul Rasheed said that the company’s aim is to complete the project, early next year. Four pump stations are to be established in the north and nine in the south of Hithadhoo Island, in addition to an 8 kilometre sewerage network in the north and a 25 kilometre sewerage network in the south of the island.
While MVR 585 million have been earmarked for environmental protection in this year’s state budget, MVR 796 million has been allocated for fresh water provision and the establishment of sewerage systems.