Ministry of National Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure has contracted the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) to develop harbours in Dharavandhoo in Baa Atoll, and Dhuvaafaru in Raa Atoll, as well as SAS-E Construction Private Limited to develop coastal protection structures in Thoddoo in Alifu Alifu Atoll.
As per the agreements, MTCC is tasked with upgrading the harbour in Dhuvaafaru within 180 days at a cost of USD740,000. The project involves dredging operations, construction of a breakwater jetty, and allocating a specific area for the loading and unloading of goods. The scope of works also includes dredging operations, developing a breakwater, revetment, and groyne, as well as the installation of street lights, mooring buoys, and an access platform. Dhuvaafaru has a large population and consists of a 1,200ft by 300ft harbour. The residents are involved in various types of fishing and face challenges in docking a large number of fishing boats due to the small size of the harbour.
Additionally, MTCC is tasked with developing the harbour in Dharavandhoo within one year at a cost of USD3.9 million. The island currently consists of a 700ft by 290ft harbour, which is inadequate in catering to the high number of vessels, including large speedboats that stop at the harbour from nearby resorts due to the domestic airport. The island council stated that the breakwater near the harbour has been destroyed and the harbour has no special waiting area for tourists.
Furthermore, SAS-E Construction is tasked with developing coastal protection structures in Thoddoo within one year at a cost of USD1.3 million. The company will be developing the structures on the southern side of the island, which consists of agricultural land. The project involves developing a 750m geobag revetment and filling the beach with 17,000cbm of sand. Thoddoo Island Council stated the completion of the project will ease the concerns of farmers by preventing further erosion.