True to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s promise to the people of Gulhi, Kaafu Atoll, Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) kick-started the much delayed land reclamation and coastal protection project in the island.
Although land constraints remain a major issue in Gulhi, the former administration had contracted Gulhi’s land reclamation project, which had been stalled since March of 2023.
During President Dr Muizzu’s visit to the island in January this year, he explained to the people of Gulhi that the project could not be continued in 2024 due to budgetary constraints stemming from the former government’s inadequate allocations in the budget.
However, he had assured that the project would commence soon in alignment with the vision of the island council, and would continue until the bund wall and reclamation efforts are fully completed.
As promised, MTCC has now kick-started the land reclamation and coastal protection project in Gulhi.
The dredging work was officially inaugurated by MTCC Managing Director DCP (Retd) Ahmed Saudy.
Speaking after the inauguration, Saudy said the previous government had awarded the project to MTCC just before the end of its term, but nothing had been done to get the project off the ground, including budgetary or resource allocation.
But the project has now begun under the special directive of President Dr Muizzu, he said.
"The dredging work has started with the hard work of MTCC staff as well. If the weather continues to be favourable, the work will be completed in 45 days. The dredging part. Then coastal protection will commence,” Saudy explained.
Under the project, 10.15 hectares of land will be reclaimed which will double the land mass in Gulhi. The project also includes, 940 meters of stone revetment and 362 meters of geobag revetment along with the installation of 88 meters of groyne.