The Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has contracted Royal Boskalis Westminster to conduct the second phase of the Gulhifalhu Reclamation Project.
Under the second phase of the project, Boskalis has been contracted to further dredge and reclaim 18 million cbm of sand and the laying of stone revetment around the dredged area at a cost of USD120 million. However, the ministry or the company did not reveal how much area will be dredged under the project.
The Netherland-based Boskalis stated that it has started the survey for the project and has conducted environmental studies. The company said the project will be carried out in an environmentally friendly manner. As such, the company said it will also regularly monitor the relocation of the coral in the lagoon of the area, reduce the spread of salt pollution, and monitor changes in the quality of the sea salt in the area.
Gulhifalhu is located about 4km from Male' City. The first phase of the dredging of the lagoon in 2010 was intended to populate the area and reduce congestion in Male'. However, the previous government stopped the project in 2013. The current government has re-drafted the plan for the development of Gulhifalhu. Additionally, the development of the international port in Gulhifalhu is expected to resolve the difficulties faced due to the lack of space in Male’ Commercial Harbour.