President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has highlighted the potential economic benefits of commencing the land reclamation project in Gulhifalhu. He made the remark at the function held to inaugurate the project.
Speaking at the function, President Solih said the 150-hectare land reclamation project will boost the economy through the various projects to be commenced in Gulhifalhu, which will also support the growth of the tourism and fisheries sectors. He highlighted other initiatives such as relocating warehouses, workshops, and industrial businesses to the island.
Additionally, President Solih emphasised the potential economic benefits of relocating the Male’ Commercial Harbour and the development of an international port in Gulhifalhu, which are expected to increase the country’s imports and exports. As such, he said these projects will have a huge positive impact on all industries and the development of the country, adding that the purpose of every initiative of the administration in the past four years is to alleviate the challenges faced by citizens.
The administration commissioned Boskalis Westminster Contracting Limited to undertake the second phase of the Gulhifalhu land reclamation project, creating 150 hectares of land for the Binveriyaa housing scheme and the Gulhifalhu Port project. Boskalis Westminster Contracting is prepared to dredge and reclaim 18 million cubic metres of sand at a cost of USD120 million under the second phase. The Netherlands-based company has previously worked on dredging and reclamation operations in the Maldives including the first phase of the Gulhifalhu Reclamation Project in 2010. It also built coastal protection structures around the lagoon in 2019.