Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) have been awarded the second phase of the land reclamation and shore protection project in Madaveli, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll.
The agreement was signed at a special ceremony at the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Infrastructure. Managing Director Ahmed Saudee signed on behalf of MTCC, while the Minister of Housing, Construction and Infrastructure, Dr Abdullah Muththalib signed on behalf of the ministry.
The project has been awarded to MTCC at a valuation of USD 11.29 million to be completed within 400 days.
The project will dredge 19.17 hectares of land and enhance the shore protection of the island. The first phase of the project dredged 8.85 hectares and altogether combined a total of 35 hectares of land will be reclaimed from the Madaveli lagoon.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Dr Muththalib said that Madaveli faces an issue regarding the scarcity of land. He revealed that with the ongoing causeway project, 8 hectares of land has been decided for dredging to support the project. Also handed to MTCC. As the island is large in terms of population and land is scarce, an additional 27 hectares has been earmarked for reclamation, as per the pledge of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.
The minister said this would resolve the land issue in Madaveli. The minister also revealed that, as part of the government’s long-term plan for development, additional land has also been planned for reclamation, apart from the 35 hectares under the two phases of this project.