Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has mobilised the site for the third phase of the harbour development project in Villingili, Gaafu Alifu Atoll.
The scope of works include dredging and excavation operations of 59,536cbm harbor basin, construction of a 275m breakwater, a 613m revetment, a 105m groyne, and a 685m quay wall. The value of the project is USD7.4 million.
Villingili Island Council stated that residents have been long awaiting the completion of the harbour development project, as it is linked to the island’s development and economic prospects. The council noted that efforts to fix the problems at the harbour made by previous governments have not resulted in any significant improvement and that the current project had been at a standstill for the past few years.
Villingili has 22 active fishing boats, and the development of the harbour is expected to increase the number of vessels. The project will also allow more fishing boats from other regions to dock at the harbour while on their way to the Kooddoo Fisheries Complex. The council and residents of the island expect the completion of the project to expand the local fishing business and establish services for vessels arriving in the island.