The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has commenced the basin dredging operations for the harbour development project in Maaungoodhoo, Shaviyani Atoll.
Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure contracted MTCC in May 2022 to design and build the harbour. The scope of the project includes harbour dredging operations of 59,013cbm, channel dredging operations of 3,245m, construction of a 362m breakwater, a 105m revetment, a 312m quay wall, a ramp, a concrete jetty, installation of mooring buoys, installation of 1,509sqm harbour pavement and installation of navigational aids. The contract was awarded to MTCC for the renovation and expansion of the harbour at a cost of USD3.6 million.
The old harbour on the island was renovated during the last administration. However, President of Maaungoodhoo Island Council Adam Saleem said the renovation of the harbour did not solve the problem of waves crashing into the harbour during bad weather resulting in damages to vessels. As such he said MTCC has begun repairing the part of the harbour that has been damaged and dredging operations are underway.
MTCC stated that the size of the harbour will be increased by twofold when the project is completed and the newly built ramp will also give access for vessels to dock alongside each other and load and unload goods with ease. The new concrete jetty will also give plenty of space for additional vessels to dock alongside and provide easy manoeuvrability inside the harbour.
MTCC stated the old harbour is in poor condition and it is the hope of the residents of Maaungoodhoo that the new harbour will provide the vessels with the required space and safety. The new harbour is expected to create further opportunities for socioeconomic growth on the island.