Thilafushi is being developed as an industrial hub in the greater Male' region. The reclaimed lagoon, which was earlier known as Thilafalhu, already have over 250 parties, engaged in industrial activities in the island.
Just ten minutes away from the capital on ferry, the lagoon known as Thilafalhu was used as a municipal landfill in the 90s, to address the issue of waste management in capital Male' City and surrounding islands.
The government began using the almost seven kilometers long and 200 meters wide lagoon as a landfill on January 7, 1992. However, the reclaimed lagoon soon became an island, where industrial activities were conducted. A number of factories were established on the island. It also serves as the storage site for gas and cement that are to be brought to Male'.
img:http://s1.psmnews.mv/images/660x400/14594014068922.jpg|Aerial view of industrial island Thilafushi- File Photo: Thilafushi Corporation
The lagoon now, is on the path to becoming an industrial hub. The artificial island already have over 250 parties, engaged in industrial activities. Thilafushi Corporation describes the industrialization of the island as a huge economic opportunity. Forty plots are to be released from Thilafushi especially for industrial use.
Managing Director of Thilafushi Corporation Ahmed Nasif said that the development of the island as an industrial hub would bring more life to the island. He said that the island has seen immense development in the past three years.
The corporation is trying to create a pleasant environment for employees on the island and has drawn up plans to establish a healthcare clinic, Police support and even parks on the island. The corporation revealed that depending on demand, it would consider reclaiming more land from the lagoon.