The Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has been awarded the contract to dredge and develop Maafaru Falhu as an urban centre.

The agreement was formalised during President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s visit to Alif Dhaalu Mahibadhoo. Minister of Finance and Planning Moosa Zameer signed the agreement on behalf of the Government, while MACL Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed signed on behalf of the company.

Following the signing, dredging work at Maafaru Falhu has already commenced.

Maafaru Falhu, a large lagoon and forested area located between Mahibadhoo and Omadhoo, was brought under the jurisdiction of Mahibadhoo in April last year. In December, President Dr Muizzu met with the Mahibadhoo Council to discuss the development of the area and requested that public consultations be conducted to inform the preparation of a master plan.

The Government has identified Maafaru Falhu as one of seven locations across the Maldives to be developed as new urban centres under its decentralisation and economic diversification plans.