Swell surges cause extensive damage to Gaadhiffushi as harbor construction remains stalled
31 ޖުލައި 2026 | ހުކުރު 17:47The Th. Gaadhiffushi harbor project has been stalled for nearly a year, leading to severe coastal erosion and tidal flooding as excavated sandbanks wash back into the basin and shallow the harbor. The local council has expressed deep concern over the delays in the MTCC-contracted project, noting that work has remained at a standstill since it was briefly initiated during the President's visit to the island.
Th. Gaadhiffushi affected by tidal swells. | Raajje MV
The suspension of the Th. Gaadhiffushi harbor development project shortly after its commencement has led to severe tidal flooding across the harbor area, resulting in significant damage to various parts of the island.
When contacted by RaajjeTV regarding the matter, the Vice President of the Gaadhiffushi Island Council, Mohamed Hassan, stated that the sand piles reclaimed for the harbor dredging project have eroded back into the old harbor basin. This has caused one side of the harbor to become significantly shallow. He further noted that during periods of strong winds and high tide, the rising sea levels have led to severe tidal flooding, with swells surging deep into the residential areas of the island.
Mohamed reported that the harbor project has been stalled for nearly a year. He expressed concern that although the project was initially inaugurated by President Muizzu during a visit to the island, it was abandoned shortly after commencement. This negligence has caused previously piled sand to erode back into the harbor, shallowing one side and leading to tidal flooding and subsequent damage to the island. Furthermore, he highlighted that the staff deployed to the island for the project currently have no work to perform. He stated that the matter has been brought to the attention of the relevant authorities. In addition to seeking assistance from the police, he noted that they have decided to hold discussions with the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) employees involved in the project.
The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) commenced the Gaadiffushi harbor development project on September 26, 2021. Although the project was awarded to MTCC with a completion mandate of 580 days, physical works have been at a standstill for a significant period.
According to a statement released by MTCC at the time, the project scope includes dredging 59,578 cubic meters of the harbor basin, constructing a 227-meter revetment, a 145-meter breakwater, and a 204-meter geobag revetment. Additionally, the project involves the construction of a 318-meter quay wall, three bridges each 20 meters long, the installation of 1,365 square meters of pavement, and the installation of harbor lights.
MTCC previously stated that the project is valued at MVR 85.78 million. However, work on the project coincided with President Muizzu's visit to Gaadhiffushi. While operations were suspended shortly thereafter, some MTCC workers remains stationed on the island.
Concerns are mounting over the suspension of numerous projects contracted to the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC). Residents from various islands have specifically noted that work often commences following visits by President Muizzu, only to come to a complete standstill shortly thereafter. The prolonged delays have also led to significant issues regarding the deterioration of construction materials and equipment that had already been mobilized to the project sites.
