Dhidhdhoo residents concerned as reclaimed airport land erodes
Former Member of Parliament Abdul Latheef Mohamed (Waheed) has expressed serious concern over the government's failure to implement coastal protection measures for the land reclaimed for Dhidhdhoo’s airport, leading to significant erosion in the area. Despite the reclamation of 112 hectares in line with President Muizzu’s pledge, residents continue to voice frustrations as key developmental projects on the island remain stalled.
The area reclaimed for the development of the HA. Dhidhdhoo Airport. The reclamation project was carried out by MACL. | MACL
Despite the completion of land reclamation for the development of the airport in HA. Dhidhdhoo, the area is now facing severe coastal erosion.
Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Vaudhunaama" program, former Member of Parliament for the Dhidhdhoo constituency, Abdulla Waheed, expressed deep concern over the stagnation of development projects in the island. He noted that even initiatives launched during former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration have come to a complete standstill.
Referring to the Dhidhdhoo airport project, Waheed stated that it is a vital initiative closely tied to the aspirations of the people, who are in great need of an airport. However, he noted that the land reclaimed for the project is currently eroding, highlighting this as a major concern for the local community.
However, he stated that the government has failed to take any measures to protect the reclaimed area.
His most significant pledge was the development of the airport. However, following the reclamation of the island's entire lagoon for this project, the newly created land was not adequately protected. Residents are now expressing grievances as the reclaimed area continues to erode. The community is deeply concerned by the ineffective measures previously taken to secure the site. As vast sections of the reclaimed land are being lost to the sea, a sustainable and adequate solution to the erosion remains elusive.Abdulla Waheed, the former Member of Parliament for the Dhidhdhoo constituency.
Reclaiming land and developing an airport in Dhidhdhoo is a key pledge made to the island's residents by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu during the 2023 presidential election campaign.
The reclamation of 112 hectares of land in Dhidhdhoo, designated for airport development, housing projects, and other essential services, was completed on February 23, 2026. Despite the reclamation process being finished in just 50 days, no measures have been taken to date to protect the newly reclaimed area from erosion or environmental damage.
