Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has been tasked with building causeways connecting Hithadhoo and Kunahandhoo as well as Dhanbidhoo and Kalaidhoo in Laamu Atoll.
The agreements were signed by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTCC Adam Azim and Director General of the Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Fathimath Shaana Farooq.
As per the agreements, MTCC will be building a causeway connecting Hithadhoo and Kunahandhoo within one-and-a-half years at a cost of USD5.3 million. The causeway will run through an uninhabited island called Mendhoo, which is in between the two islands.
Hithadhoo has a population of 1,100 residents and consists of notable historical sites. Kunahandhoo has 800 residents that are reliant on fishing and farming, while Mendhoo is leased to a private party for agriculture.
Additionally, MTCC will be building a causeway between Dhanbidhoo and Kalaidhoo within one year and eight months at a cost of USD9.4 million. The state-owned company will be developing three bridges, a revetment, and roads as part of the project.
Kalaidhoo has a population of over 1,000 residents and is connected by land to Isdhoo. Dhanbidhoo also has a population of over 1,000 residents and both islands are notable for their historical significance.