Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has announced the continuation of the land reclamation project in Hulhumale' Phase III. It previously issued a directive mandating the removal of safaris within the coastal vicinity of the reclaimed land, as safety measures.
The Hulhumale' Phase III land reclamation project commenced in September22, 2023, progressing in three phases. As such, reclamation of Site A has been completed, with reclamation on Site B initiated in October. A total of 10 hectares of land has been reclaimed in Site A and 26 hectares of land will be reclaimed at Site B. Currently, 13 hectares have been dredged in Site B.
HDC stated that the project had previously halted due to the issue of coral bleaching, as issued by the Environment Protection Agency. It further disclosed that when the project was halted, 16 hectares from Site B and 24 hectares from Site C were yet to be reclaimed.
Highlighting the completion of the preparations to resume the project, HDC stated that some vessels within the coastal vicinity of the reclaimed land of Hulhumale' Phase III were still not removed. It added that this would challenge the works of the land reclamation project. It issued a directive stating that the entry of landing crafts into the dredging area causes significant damages to safaris, noting that dangerous incidents have occurred. Therefore, the corporation extended the removal of safaris by June 30.
HDC has contracted Sri Lankan-based Capital Marine and Civil Construction Company Private Limited (CMCC) to reclaim a total of 63 hectares of land from Hulhumale' Phase III under the project. The final reclamation area, Site C, is slated to reclaim 24 hectares of land. The newly reclaimed land in Hulhumale' will be used for housing and land will be allocated for the establishment of public services for the residents in the area.