M. Naalaafushi Reclamation: Boundary Wall Erodes, Sinks After Completion
27 ޖުލައި 2026 | ހޯމަ 18:09The M. Naalaafushi Island Council has expressed serious concern over the stalled land reclamation project, noting that the installed boundary wall is currently eroding. While the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) attributes the delay to pending Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports, the council alleges that the project's current execution is damaging the island’s sewerage system. Consequently, the council has called on the government to provide an urgent solution to these issues.
The M. Naalaafushi Island Council has expressed deep concern over the complete lack of progress on the island's land reclamation project. | raajjemv
The land reclamation project in M. Naalaafushi has come to a complete standstill, according to the Vice President of the Island Council, Ibrahim Zuhaid. He noted that while an excavator was brought in to complete the construction of the boundary wall ahead of the 2024 local council elections, no further progress has been made since that work was finalized.
Expressing concern over the stalled project, Zuhaid told RaajjeTV that MTCC removed the excavator from the site after completing the boundary wall. He further noted that the boundary wall has since eroded to the point where it has now subsided into the sea.
"While we were out of the office for a break, a resident informed us that the excavator was being removed. Upon hearing this, the Council President and I headed to the harbor, where we found MTCC officials preparing to transport the machinery. We intervened and halted the process, informing them that they must provide us with an update before removing the equipment in such a manner. The harbor wall has already been breached in two locations to allow the excavator to disembark for the construction of the boundary wall. The community is deeply concerned that the contractors might leave without repairing these sections of the quay wall. When we requested an update, MTCC stated that the excavator was being moved to Dhaalu Atoll to assist with unloading for a primary project there. Although they promised to return the machinery within a week, three weeks have now passed with no sign of its return."Ibrahim Zuhaid
Zuheid stated that the land reclamation project commenced without an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and to date, no such report has been received. He further noted that when MTCC was contacted for a project update, they cited the pending EIA report as the latest development, assuring that a dredger would be dispatched as soon as the report is obtained.
Zuhaid further noted that the sewerage system currently in use in Naalaafushi was privately installed. He highlighted that reclamation sand is being piled directly over the sewerage pipes without any prior consultation with the residents. He added that the council has requested a solution to this issue to ensure the land reclamation project can proceed appropriately.
Zuheid further alleged that the project was a political maneuver by the government, specifically designed to secure certain seats in the council elections.
