Bigfish Maldives Private Limited has begun preparations to commence land reclamation for the development of an airport in Makunudhoo, Haa Dhaalu Atoll.
Speaking to PSM News, Vice President of the Makundhoo Island Council Fathimath Shifaza said that the dredger has arrived at the designated work site and all necessary preparations have been finalised for the land reclamation project on the island. She said that the project will commence within the upcoming week, noting that the land reclamation efforts, along with the construction of a protective revetment will be completed next year.
In addition, Shifaza further highlighted that the long-standing transportation challenges faced by the island have been alleviated to some extent with the introduction of the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) high-speed ferry service. She highlighted that the National Public Ferry Network via RTL has substantially decreased transportation expenses for the residents of the island. She also noted that the fare for a speedboat trip has decreased from USD324 to just USD6.48 with the introduction of the RTL ferries.
Makunudhoo Airport is to be developed with a 1,500m runway on land that will be reclaimed on the southern side of the island. The Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure awarded the contract to Bigfish Maldives on June 22. The scope of the project includes the reclamation of 43 hectares of land along with 3,500m of revetment to protect the reclaimed land. The project was awarded to the company to be completed within a year at a cost of USD16 million.
Makunudhoo is located on the western edge of the Maldives and residents have expressed concern over the inadequate means of travel from the island. The government is preparing to develop an airport on the island to solve the issue. The project is part of the government's pledge to have airports accessible within 30 minutes of travel by speedboat from every inhabited island.