Bandidhoo harbour construction project resumes after five years

The harbour construction project in Dhaalu Bandidhoo has been officially resumed today after being halted for five years.

The project was initially launched by former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s government in 2008, and halted following the change of government later that year.

The new project was inaugurated by Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Dr Mohamed Muizzu and Meedhoo MP Ahmed Siyam Mohamed at a ceremony in Bandidhoo today.

The government signed the agreement for the MVR 52 million project with Maldives Transport and Trading Company (MTCC) in January 2014.

Speaking at the ceremony, Housing Minister Dr Muizzu said that the present government would fulfil its pledges and produce results, as it has proved over the past few months.

The initial project was to construct a 500-ft long, 250-ft wide harbour in Bandidhoo, but the new project which follows the advice of the island council will see the construction of a harbour 1,000-ft long and 300-ft wide.

Housing Minister Dr Muizzu said that the harbour will facilitate development for the island as well as the atoll, and that the project should be completed in less than one year.

Muizzu assured that the present government would also solve the problem of lack of space for the people of Meedhoo, as they have wished for for over 20 years.

In this regard, he said that an agreement was signed with Boskalis International on 18 February regarding land reclamation to expand the island.

He said that equipment for this project will arrive in Meedhoo on 14 March, and the reclamation would be completed within ten days.