The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has revealed that the Dhidhdhoo Harbour Extension and Jetty Construction Project is nearing completion.
MTCC stated that the project is 70% complete while the variation quay wall block installation has been completed and new harbor basin dredging operations have reached 92% completion. The scope of the project includes dredging and excavation operations of 78,000cbm, construction of a 378m breakwater, construction of 58m groynes, 478m revetment, 630m quay wall, construction of a 6,858sqm harbour pavement, a jetty, and supply and installation of navigation and harbour lights.
The Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure contracted MTCC in 2021 for the Harbour Extension and Jetty Construction Project in Dhidhdhoo, Haa Alifu Atoll. The state-owned company is tasked with completing the project within 365 days at a cost of USD4.5 million. The project includes expanding the existing harbour and jetty construction. The existing harbour is 300m long and 250m wide and the new extension will double its size.
MTCC has faced delays in completing the project due to design changes made after the work began. MTCC stated that the council and residents were requested to submit the changes they require before the fieldwork begins, as every change made afterward requires changes in the design and technical works and an increase in the duration and cost of the project.
Dhidhdhoo has a population of over 5,000 and many residents of Haa Alifu Atoll travel to Dhidhdhoo every day for hospital visits as well as business and administrative purposes. As such, numerous vessels enter and exit the Dhidhdhoo harbour on a daily basis and experience challenges due to the condition of the harbour.