Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has commenced shore protection of the area reclaimed under the Mathikomandoo Connectivity Project.
The project to link Komandoo and Mathikomandoo in Shaviyani Atoll was contracted to MTCC on January 12 this year. The scope of the project includes 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, and linking the reclaimed area to Komandoo with a 200m long bridge. In addition, the rectification of 1,690m of shore protection installed in Komandoo is also undertaken as part of the project.
MTCC revealed the shore protection component of the reclaimed area has commenced this week. The state-owned company has also started the rectification of the existing shore protection installed in Komandoo.
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 decided to provide a long-term solution to the issue by developing shore protection structures and reclaiming part of Mathikomandoo.