Vice President Faisal Naseem has visited the site of the coastal protection project in Fuvahmulah City and inquired about the progress.
During the visit, Vice President Naseem said it was one of the largest projects to be dedicated to the well-being of the residents of Fuvahmulah, as they have been long awaiting a permanent solution to the issue of erosion. He described the issue as a major obstacle to the development of the city and said that the fieldwork will begin soon.
Additionally, Vice President Naseem said that climate change has made the problem worse but the coastal protection project will provide a permanent solution. He also noted President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s pledge to build a new highway.
The Mayor of Fuvahmulah City Ismail Rafeeq said that the coastal protection project will be a great relief to residents and expressed hope that it will be completed quickly. He noted that erosion has been a longstanding issue for the city.
The Fuvahmulah City Coastal Protection Project was awarded to M.T. Højgaard Maldives Private Limited for a cost of USD19.4 million in 2021. The project encompasses the construction of 2,650m of coastline protection walls from the north of Fuvahmulah harbour to the east of the island. It will be funded with grant aid from the Netherlands, loan assistance from the Kuwait Fund for Economic Development, and funds from the state budget.