Residents of Guraidhoo island in Thaa atoll have been trying to tackle heavy erosion of the land underneath its breakwater.

Guraidhoo’s local government council said that erosion has markedly increased as of late, likely due to ongoing turbulent weather and strong waves caused by it.

Thaufeeq Ali, vice president of the council, said that the island’s breakwater, over which a harbour for docking cargo and passenger vessels is built, was built about 20 years ago.

“The harbour and breakwater are very old, they are in urgent need of repair”, Thaufeeq said.

The council confirmed that said repair has been budgeted for twice by the current administration, although the council has not been informed as to why the project has not been carried out.

Over 2,000 people inhabit the island and the erosion has effectively rendered the harbour useless for docking.