The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has stated that land reclamation works for the Noonu Velidhoo Industrial Zone are expected to be completed by February.

Velidhoo currently hosts several industrial activities, including boat building, which are largely carried out within residential areas. The use of materials such as fibreglass in these activities has raised health concerns among residents.

During a visit to Noonu Atoll in July last year, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced that a dedicated industrial area would be reclaimed in Velidhoo following requests from the local community to relocate such activities away from residential neighbourhoods.

The project involves the reclamation of 2.7 hectares of land. MTCC said that approximately 90 per cent of the works have already been completed, with the remaining activities scheduled to conclude next month.

The establishment of a separate industrial zone for safari and boat building is expected to improve public health conditions in Velidhoo, while also supporting the organised expansion of the boat building industry on the island.