Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure contracts Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) with completing the shore protection project in Kunburudhoo, Alifu Dhaalu Atoll. The agreement was signed by Permanent Secretary Zeeniya Hameed and COO of MTCC Shahid Hussain Moosa.
MTCC signed the agreement to design and build shore protection structures to mitigate erosion on the island. The scope of the project involves dredging and excavation operations, construction of a 170-metre revetment, a 57-metre quay wall, construction of a ramp, installation of a harbour pavement, and installation of harbor lights. The state-owned company is tasked with completing the project within 150 days at a cost of USD 622,000.
Kunburudhoo has 5.6 hectares of land with a population of 600 residents. Due to the small landmass and increasing population of the island, many residents have built their homes near the shore.
President of Kunburudhoo Island Council Mohamed Azim said erosion has been occurring for decades and previous efforts had been made to protect the shores of the island.
Kunburudhoo is suffering from erosion in all surrounding areas, and erosion is most severe in the southern and eastern sides of the island.