Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has contracted the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) to conduct the land reclamation project in Gulhi, Kaafu Atoll.
The contract for the project was signed at a special ceremony held at the planning ministry. The contract was signed by the Director General of the planning ministry Fathimath Shana Farooq and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTCC Adam Azim.
The scope of the project includes the reclamation of 10.15 hectares of land, the construction of a 940m rock revetment, the construction of a 362m geo bag revetment, and 88m groynes. The value of the project is USD5.3 million and is to be completed within 450 days.
Gulhi has a population of 994 and tourism is expanding on the island like other islands in the atoll. There are 12 guesthouses on the island with a total of 100 beds. The residents of the island mainly earn their income from operating guest houses and employment in various nearby resorts. In addition, the island has a boat repair yard and five fishing vessels.
The biggest challenge faced by the resident of Gulhi is the lack of land. The island has 9.19 hectares of land but has no more available plots for public use. The last land plots were allocated between 1996-1998, according to the Gulhi Island Council. The land reclamation project will solve the housing problem faced by the residents and add land to the island for economic and industrial activities.