The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has revealed that 52% of the Kamadhoo harbour upgrade project has been completed. The company has completed the construction of the breakwater and is now constructing a jetty for small vessels.
In January 2022, the Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure contracted MTCC to upgrade the harbour of Kamadhoo, Baa Atoll, within 400 days at a cost of USD3 million. MTCC is tasked with dredging 25,404cbm of the harbour basin and constructing a 180m breakwater as part of the expansion. The project also involves the construction of an 826m revetment, a 346m quay wall, an 11m ramp, a 1,730sqm pavement, 70 mooring rings, and 17 harbour lights.
The current harbour in Kamadhoo was built by Villa Group with assistance from the residents of the island 25 years ago. The government decided to upgrade the harbour due to space constraints and deteriorating conditions. The current harbour is 400ft long and 150ft wide and has incurred damages, causing the harbour basin to be filled and preventing larger vessels from docking.
President of Kamadhoo Island Council Hassan Zareer noted that the council constantly receives complaints about the lack of space at the harbour and thanked the government for addressing the issue and commencing the harbour upgrade project. He also said that upgrading the harbour will result in the growth of its local businesses, highlighting that Kamadhoo has the second-highest number of tourist beds in Baa Atoll.