Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has begun land reclamation and the construction of a mosque in Thuraakunu, Haa Alifu Atoll. The fieldwork was inaugurated by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Adam Azim at a special ceremony.
In his speech, Azim said the government aims to complete development projects at a rapid pace. As such, he assured that the residents will be able to use the new mosque by the month of Ramadan next year.
Also at the ceremony, President of Thuraakunu Island Council Ali Abdul Latheef said that residents have been expecting a modern mosque for 15 years. He noted that a contractor began a mosque construction project in 2022 but said that the work was unsatisfactory.
Regarding the reclamation project, Latheef said that Thuraakunu last provided residential land plots in 2015. He said that reclamation is necessary as there is no more land available to solve the housing issue, adding that the newly reclaimed land can also be used to establish tourism businesses and boost the local economy.
Thuraakunu has a population of 700 residents with a 22-hectare land area. The island is notable for its local tourism and fishing industry and the main challenge for residents is the lack of housing.
In July, the Ministry of National Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure contracted MTCC to reclaim eight hectares in Thuraakunu and constructing a 1,200m revetment to protect the reclaimed area. The company is expected to complete the project within 630 days at a cost of USD11 million.
Additionally, MTCC signed an agreement with Ministry of Islamic Affairs towards the completion of a mosque construction project, which was abandoned midway by a private company in 2022. The scope of works include, the construction of a building with a 300 person capacity. In addition, two ablution areas, paving works and a minaret will also be built. The value of the project is USD727,000.