Ministry of National Planning and Infrastructure has revealed preparations are underway to commence additional harbour development projects.
The State Budget 2019 has allocated funds to conduct 45 harbour development projects. While the administration has already commenced harbour development projects in 10 islands, planning ministry said preparations are underway to commence a further 35 projects.
The harbour development projects include newly constructed harbours, reconstructing harbours, amending damages, enhancing harbours and constructing outer wall of harbours. The projects that have been commenced include new harbour construction in Himandhoo, Mulhadhoo, Hen'ban'dhoo, Omadhoo, Noomaraa, Rin'bidhoo and Maradhoo-Feydhoo.
While 10 harbour development projects have commenced so far, it is expected to cost over USD 13.288 million from the state budget. Moreover, among the 35 remaining projects, a new harbour will be developed in Maduvvari which will cost USD 967,612. Moreover, it has been budgeted to construct a T-jetty in Rakeedhoo in Vaavu Atoll for a cost of USD 838,597.
Planning ministry said the remaining projects that have been budgeted will be commenced in the coming days. A total of USD 30.5 million from the state budget have been allocated for harbour development projects.