Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Technology Aminath Shauna has stated the government will not obstruct the major land reclamation project in Addu City. She made the statement while responding to questions at the Parliament of the Maldives over the delay in starting the project.
Minister Shauna said the effects of climate change in the Maldives should be taken into account when conducting development projects but that the government will not obstruct the land reclamation work in Addu City. However, the minister said Addu City should be developed in a way that preserves its natural beauty by taking environmental changes into account. She said the relevant authorities will be holding discussions and assured a decision will be made on the project soon after the environmental impact assessment (EIA) report is evaluated.
The EIA report has highlighted the negative impact and irreversible damage the project would inflict in Addu City, especially during the process of acquiring the sand material needed for reclamation. The land reclamation project worth USD75 million consists of reclaiming 228 hectares of land in various parts of Addu City.
The project was contracted under the USD800 million line of credit facility from the Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank) and is expected to be completed within two years.