Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has revealed it has begun dredging operations for the shore protection project in Thulhaadhoo, Baa Atoll.
Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure contracted MTCC to design and build the shore protection structure in Thulhaadhoo on March 29. The state-owned company stated it began the fieldwork at the project site on September 15.
The scope of the project involves the construction of 11,700 cubic metres of backfilling and bed preparation works and the construction of 280-metre geo bag revetment. MTCC is tasked with completing the project within 150 days at a cost of USD 658 million.
Thulhaadhoo has a population of over 2,000 and has a longstanding issue of erosion. As such, residents have expressed concern over damages caused by erosion in the southern side of the island, especially during high tides. The erosion has caused damages to the natural environment and residents living near the beach to move inland.