Physical work to upgrade the jetties along Malé’s northern waterfront to modern standards will begin shortly, according to an announcement by the Ministry of Housing yesterday.
Aiming to resolve long-standing operational challenges and severe congestion on the northern side of Malé, the ministry stated that preparations are currently underway to initiate physical works on the project, which seeks to streamline harbour access and enhance safety for passengers traversing the heavily trafficked maritime hub.
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To facilitate the commencement of works, the Ministry has instructed vessel owners to clear all crafts berthed between the Fishermen’s Park area and Naadhee Goalhi by 11:00 PM this Friday.
The authority cautioned that any vessels remaining in the designated zone after the deadline will be removed by the Ministry.
The government previously shared design drawings that are part of the plan to develop Boduthakurufaanu Magu and the harbour area on the North side of Malé. According to those drawings, it was decided to develop jetties on the North side of Malé to allow speedboats to dock.
The site serves as the primary hub for speedboats connecting Malé to outer islands and resorts, making persistent harbour congestion and the hazardous practice of passengers stepping across adjacent boats to reach land a long-standing concern.
While a segment of Boduthakurufaanu Magu has already been widened and modernised through land reclamation along the harbour, the government also plans to construct additional jetties directly opposite the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) building.
Traffic access to the West Park section of Boduthakurufaanu Magu has now been restricted to mark the start of Phase 3 of the overhaul, which will focus on road widening, asphalt laying, and general modernisation.
Launched in August last year, Phase 1 shifted the seawall outward from the Fish Market area south toward the midpoint of Republic Square, creating a four-lane asphalt thoroughfare. Phase 2 subsequently extended the road widening from Republic Square to the Henveiru Ferry Terminal.
As development work advances toward the Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) area, efforts are also underway to relocate the Malé Commercial Port to Thilafushi. Following these works, the section spanning from the North Harbour to MPL will remain the final undeveloped stretch of Boduthakurufaanu Magu. Authorities plan to initiate the redevelopment of this final segment once port operations are fully transferred to Thilafushi.
According to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, the relocation of the port to Thilafushi will be completed by November 11, 2027, as part of efforts to provide a permanent solution to the congestion issues facing the Malé Commercial Port.
