Harbour Development Project Awarded for Faresmaathodaa
aresmaathodaa harbour development contract signed with MTCC | Photo: Ministry of Construction, Housing & Infrastructure
The Ministry of Housing, Construction and Infrastructure has contracted the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) to undertake a major harbour development project in Faresmaathodaa, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll.
The agreement was signed during a ceremony held at the Housing Ministry. The contract was signed by Minister Dr Abdulla Muththalib on behalf of the ministry, while Deputy Managing Director Mohamed Jamsheed signed on behalf of MTCC.
The project includes dredging 465,726 cubic metres of material and the construction of a 300-metre quay wall. It also involves the installation of a 1,462-metre breakwater.
In addition, 733 metres of revetment, 133 metres of geo-tube revetment and 329 metres of groynes will be constructed. The development further includes the installation of 9,206 square metres of pavement and the construction of a concrete bridge measuring six metres in length and 36 metres in width. The total value of the project is USD 13.55 million, with a completion period of 780 days.
Faresmaathodaa, which has an airport and is widely recognised for its fishing industry, has faced increasing pressure on its existing harbour facilities due to the high number of vessels operating from the island. The development is expected to ease congestion and improve the efficiency of loading and unloading goods.
During the ceremony, Minister Dr Muththalib stated that the government has placed particular emphasis on the development of the fisheries sector, noting that Faresmaathodaa is among the islands with the highest number of fishing vessels in the country. He stated that the project includes the establishment of a dedicated vessel docking area and the expansion of the harbour to better serve fishermen.
The Member of Parliament for the Faresmaathodaa constituency, Ashraf Ahmed, expressed appreciation for the long-term vision of Mohamed Muizzu and acknowledged the efforts of the Housing Minister and MTCC in advancing the project.
Faresmaathodaa has received significant attention under the current administration. Last year, the government reclaimed 18 hectares of land on the island and initiated shore protection measures for the reclaimed area as part of broader development efforts.
