Physical Works Begin on Dhidhdhoo Airport Land Reclamation Project
Work has begun on reclaiming land for an airport and key infrastructure in Dhidhdhoo | Photo: MACL
Physical works have commenced on the reclamation of land required for the development of an airport and other essential infrastructure in Dhidhdhoo, Haa Alif Atoll.
The reclamation of 112 hectares in Ha. Dhidhoo is being carried out using LEIV EIRIKSSON, one of the world’s largest trailing suction hopper dredgers with a capacity of 46,000 cbm. This project will support airport development, housing initiatives, and the provision of essential… pic.twitter.com/5ytNtcF79qadvertisement
The Dhidhdhoo Council stated that reclamation operations at the island’s westside lagoon began last evening.
The project is being carried out by Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), which is expected to add 110 hectares of land to Dhidhdhoo for the airport and related facilities.
During a visit to the island in late January last year, President Dr Mohamed described the Dhidhdhoo Airport project as a central part of his administration’s regional development plans. He assured the community that arrangements had been made for the commencement of physical works and stated that land reclamation and airport construction would progress rapidly. The President also expressed his intention to return to the island to inaugurate the airport on its inaugural flight.
The airport development contract was awarded to Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) on 19 April 2024 for MVR 257.21 million. However, practical work had not started until now.
The Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee previously sought an explanation for the delay from the Transport Ministry, which confirmed that work had not commenced. The Construction Ministry also informed the Committee that although MTCC was awarded the reclamation and shore protection works in April 2024, no work, including the feasibility study, had yet been conducted.
