Naalafushi Land Reclamation Project: Areas reclaimed ahead of the election are already eroding!
Ihsan, the MDP National Congress member for the constituency, has expressed grave concern over the suspension of the MVR 172.79 million land reclamation and shore protection project in Naalaafushi, noting that the newly reclaimed areas are already beginning to erode. He highlighted that the project, which was contracted to MTCC, came to a standstill following the elections, resulting in significant hardship and loss for the local community.
A glimpse into the ceremony held to officially award the Naalaafushi land reclamation project to MTCC. | MTCC
Although the reclamation of M. Naalaafushi commenced ahead of the elections held on April 4, the newly reclaimed land has already begun to erode.
Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Vaudhunaama" program, Mohamed Ihusan, the MDP National Congress member for the constituency, expressed deep concern over the suspension of development projects in Naalaafushi.
Referring to the land reclamation project, Ihusan stated that expanding the island's land area is a high priority for the residents. He noted that while physical work on the project commenced to coincide with the recent local council elections, all progress has since come to a standstill. He further highlighted that the areas already reclaimed are now facing significant erosion.
Furthermore, Ihusan stated that numerous initiatives aimed at public welfare and benefit have come to a standstill, resulting in increasing hardship for the citizens on a daily basis.
A land reclamation project was launched in Naalaafushi in conjunction with the recent local council elections. However, after reaching a certain stage, the project was abandoned immediately following the conclusion of the elections. The sandbanks that were reclaimed are now being washed away and eroded.Mohamed Ihusan, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) National Congress member for the Mulah constituency.
The government officially contracted the Naalaafushi harbor development, land reclamation, and coastal protection project to MTCC on September 22, 2025, during the President's visit to Meemu Atoll.
MTCC stated that the completion of the land reclamation project in Naalaafushi, a community of 546 residents, will resolve the island's long-standing land scarcity. This development is expected to create much-needed space for residential housing and industrial activities. Furthermore, the company noted that the completion of the coastal protection project will provide a permanent solution to the island's ongoing issues with coastal erosion.
MTCC stated that these projects are expected to bring significant infrastructure and economic benefits to the island's residents.
The land reclamation and shore protection project includes the reclamation of 15.48 hectares of land, the construction of a 993-meter bioswale, the installation of 709 meters of revetment, and a 440-meter groin. The project was awarded to MTCC for MVR 172.79 million, with a completion timeline of 720 days.
