Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has begun fieldwork for the harbour development project in Muraidhoo, Haa Alifu Atoll.
MTCC is tasked with upgrading and modernising the Muraidhoo harbour and solving the travel and transport issues on the island. The fieldwork for the project was inaugurated by Parliamentarian Ahmed Abdulla at a special ceremony held in Muraidhoo.
Speaking at the ceremony, Parliamentarian Abdulla said Muraidhoo residents had repeatedly requested previous governments to upgrade the harbour. He noted the current state of the harbour has also prevented infrastructure and socio-economic development on the island and that the harbour development project shows President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih does not discriminate between small and large island communities. He added that 10 projects are currently underway on the island, which will pave way for more opportunities for youth.
Also at the ceremony, Chief Operating Officer (CEO) Adam Azim said MTCC completed over 50 projects in the past three years, despite the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 15-year-old harbour in Muraidhoo, which spans 91m long, is currently in a state of disrepair and has caused numerous incidents resulting in severe damage to property and deaths. President of Muraidhoo Island Council Ali Sinan said some of the most serious sea travel incidents occurred on the island, which has resulted in three deaths.
MTCC is tasked with developing a 212m harbour in Muraidhoo with a 407m outer wall, a 50m groyne, and a 105m revetment at a cost of USD 2.2 million.