Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has revealed the land reclamation project conducted in Hoarafushi in Haa Alifu Atoll, as part of the airport development project, would be completed by the end of July.
MTCC launched the project to reclaim 16 hectares of land on April 16. So far 60 percent of the project has been completed, according to MTCC.
MTCC was also contracted to construct a 1,200 metre runway, a taxiway and an apron, as part of the airport development project. MTCC signed the agreement on March 25 and has to complete the project within the last quarter of 2020. The project costs USD 6 million and is funded from the state budget.
The previous administration planned to develop an airport in Maafinolhu, an uninhabited island that lies in the same lagoon as Hoarafushi. However, the current administration decided to develop the airport in Hoarafushi, as part of the efforts to maintain the greenery of the islands, without destroying the delicate environment for developmental projects.
The project was launched by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on April 1, as part of a visit to some northern islands of Maldives.