The land reclamation project in Makunudhoo, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, has recommenced following a temporary suspension.
The project was suspended after a tragic incident resulted in the death of two workers on site. The incident occurred on the afternoon of October 22 when a cylinder filled with argon gas used for welding exploded and killed two foreign workers.
President of Makunudhoo Island Council Auzam Adam said that dredging operations resumed on November 3. He said that the project recommenced after providing counselling to the employees of Bigfish Maldives Private Limited, the company responsible for the dredging operations. He also said that approximately 20% of the designated area for the airport has been dredged so far.
Makunudhoo Airport is to be developed with a 1,500m runway on land that will be reclaimed on the southern side of the island. 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.