The land reclamation of the Lhaviyani Naifaru Land Reclamation and Shore Protection Project has been completed ahead of schedule, adding 44.8 hectares of new land to the island.

The project was awarded to the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) in September 2025 at a cost of MVR 679 million, with a completion period of one year and nine months. In addition to reclaiming land, the project also includes shore protection works, which remain ongoing with 24 per cent completed. The project includes the construction of 1,813 metres of rock revetment, an 803-metre seawall and 474 metres of rock groynes to protect the island's shoreline. Revetment works are currently underway.

The land reclamation project was officially launched on 28 October 2025 during a visit to Naifaru by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. The ceremony was attended by Minister Dr Abdulla Muththalib, MTCC Managing Director Ahmed Saudee, the Naifaru Member of Parliament and the President of the Naifaru Council.

Naifaru, home to nearly 6,000 residents, has long faced a shortage of land for housing. The reclaimed land is expected to help address housing needs while creating additional space for future economic and social development as part of the Government's urban centre development plans.

The Government had initially planned to reclaim 21 hectares under the project but later expanded the reclamation area to approximately 45 hectares to support the island's long-term development. Naifaru previously underwent a 16-hectare land reclamation project in 2004.