Physical work on land reclamation project in Th. Gaadhiffushi, which was originally scheduled to begin in 2024, commences after two-year delay
The government has contracted MTCC to undertake an 11-hectare land reclamation project in Th. Gaadhiffushi at an estimated cost of MVR 110.5 million, a venture that also includes the construction of revetments and breakwaters. Despite the project's scope, some residents have expressed concerns that equipment is being demobilized following the ruling party's recent defeat in the local council elections.
The government has announced that land reclamation efforts in Th. Gaadhiffushi are currently underway. | Muizzu | Muizzu
Physical work on the Gaadhiffushi land reclamation project has commenced after a two-year delay, despite initial pledges to begin the project in 2024.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced the matter in a post on the social media platform X.
State media reports that the President initially pledged to reclaim land for Gaadiffushi during a visit to the island last September, where he met with local residents. However, during a subsequent visit in February 2024, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu reaffirmed this commitment, stating that the island's land reclamation project would officially commence within the year.
While the government officially announced the commencement of physical works on Saturday, residents of the island informed this newspaper that equipment required for land reclamation had already been mobilized and work was carried out in conjunction with the recently concluded elections.
The agreement for the Th. Gaadhiffushi land reclamation project was signed with the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) during the current administration. Residents noted that while reclamation work was actively carried out leading up to the recent elections, attempts were made to withdraw equipment and resources from the island following the government's significant defeat in the Gaadhiffushi local council elections.
Although the Th. Gaadhiffushi Council is currently under the control of the People's National Congress (PNC), the party failed to secure any seats during the council elections. Instead, candidates from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) were elected to the new council. The newly elected members include Mohamed Muaz as Council President, along with members Mohamed Hassan and Zulekha Ahmed.
A local source reported that efforts are underway to withdraw personnel from the site following the PNC's failure to secure the council seat. The source further noted that preparations are being made to remove equipment, including floodlights used for nighttime land reclamation and other essential machinery.
Another resident from the island reported that the People's National Congress (PNC) had issued threats, stating that since the party was not elected, the equipment brought in for the land reclamation project should be sent back. He further noted that the machinery is indeed being removed in accordance with those threats. He added that he witnessed the equipment being gathered at the harbor area for transport.
In a post shared on social media platform X on Saturday afternoon, the President announced that 11 hectares of land will be reclaimed under the Gaadhiffushi land reclamation project. The President further noted that the project is expected to be completed within 10 days, with a total investment of MVR 110.5 million.
The land reclamation project for Th. Gaadhiffushi has been awarded to the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC). Valued at MVR 110,455,574.40, the project is scheduled to be completed within 540 days.
The scope of this project includes the reclamation of 10 hectares of land (utilizing 390,701 cubic meters of sand), the construction of a 100-meter rock boulder breakwater, a 704-meter rock boulder revetment, and a 100-meter groin.
