Work to develop the Artificial Beach westward in capital city Male' has been handed over to Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC).

In a special ceremony held at the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure, a contract was signed between the company and the ministry with Housing Minister Dr. Mohamed Muizzu signing on behalf of the Ministry and CEO Ibrahim Ziyath signing on behalf of MTCC.

Speaking at the ceremony Dr. Muizzu said that the development of Artificial beach was handed over to MTCC under conditions that it must be finished within five months and that MVR 13 million will be spent for this project.

Minister Muizzu said that the beach is to be developed under the same concept as Rasfannu in Maafannu ward of capital city Male', with similar facilities such as an outdoor gym, outdoor showers as well as cafe's.

Muizzu also said that MTCC will be carrying out the task of the beach's development under it's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. Alongside MTCC other such companies will also be carrying out some of the development work under the CSR initiative.

The minister also highlighted that the cafe's and restaurants in the area have been given notices of evacuation following the development project under an agreement that a government compensation is not needed.

Muizzu futher said that while many such development projects are proceeding at a fast rate, the beach will be developed as planned and gave his reassurance that the project will be completed within the allocated time period.

The construction work to expand the outlying roads and the development work will conclude altogether and by the time it is complete, Muizzu said that the eastward beach will be 'spectacular'.

According to the ministry, MVR 13.7 million had been handed over to MTCC for the project out of which MVR 10 million comes from the state budget and over MVR 3 million under MTCC's CSR project.