Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has begun land reclamation in Mathikomandoo, Shaviyani Atoll.
The state-owned company's hopper dredger was warmly welcomed by Komandoo residents upon its arrival last week. Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure contracted MTCC to conduct the Komandoo Shore Protection Rectification Project and Mathikomandoo Connectivity Project.
The scope of the work includes linking Komandoo and Mathikomandoo with a 200m long bridge as part of the project. The project also involves reclamation of 16.7 hectares of land in Mathikomandoo, constructing a 1,520m rock boulder revetment, 353m groynes, and a 112m geobag revetment in the reclaimed area. In addition, the rectification of 1,690m of shore protection installed in Komandoo will also be undertaken as part of the project.
The Mathikomandoo Connectivity Project aims to alleviate the land shortage issue in Komandoo, which has halted housing development and socio-economic opportunities, resulting in many residents leaving the island.
Komandoo spans nine hectares and consists of 1,900 registered residents, while only 600 currently live on the island. The government has decided to provide a long-term solution to the issue by developing shore protection structures and reclaiming part of Mathikomandoo.
Linking Komandoo and Mathikomandoo is also a pledge made by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. During an event held in Komandoo on January 7, the president assured residents of Komandoo that the administration will fulfill the pledges made for the island.