Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has stated that the harbour development project in Hinnavaru, Lhaviyani Atoll, will be completed by May.
Speaking to journalists after inspecting the project site, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Adam Azim said the harbour development project includes land reclamation and building a quay wall. He said the completion of the harbour will result in large vessels being able to dock and load and unload goods in Hinnavaru. He estimated that the project scope will be completed by May and that MTCC’s aim is to complete the development of the harbour in accordance with the expectations of the residents.
Also speaking to journalists, Parliamentarian Jeehan Mahmood said the completion of the development of the harbour will increase the economic activity in Hinnavaru and the atoll. She further said that it will allow residents of Hinnavaru to more easily market and sell their products.
The Ministry of National Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure contracted MTCC to develop the harbour in Hinnavaru in 2020. The scope of works for the project includes reclamation operations of 3.2 hectares, dredging operations of 65,170cbm, construction of a 421m quay wall, a 123m breakwater, and a 170m revetment. The total cost of the project is over USD6.4 million.
Hinnavaru is an important location for the economy of Lhaviyani Atoll. However, issues in travel and transport in and out of the island have hindered its development. MTCC began the development of the harbour after repairing the damaged parts of the old harbour.