Land reclamation and shore protection works have officially commenced in Gaafu Dhaalu Madaveli.

A special ceremony was held on the island to inaugurate the project, with Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef officiating the launch.

The event was attended by State Minister for Construction, Housing, and Infrastructure Ismail Hameed, Deputy Managing Director of MTCC Mohamed Jamsheed, Madaveli constituency MP Mohamed Shameez, and Madaveli Council President Fiyaz Hassan, along with other council members and representatives of the Women’s Development Committee.

The second phase of the Madaveli land reclamation and coastal protection project has been awarded to Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC). The project, valued at MVR 174.5 million, is scheduled for completion within 400 days.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu had earlier pledged to commence the project during a visit to Madaveli, following requests from residents

Under the project, 19.17 hectares of land will be reclaimed. In addition, 1,645 metres of revetment and 120 metres of groynes will be constructed to strengthen coastal protection. MTCC also noted that, alongside the 8.85 hectares reclaimed under the first phase, further work is planned to reclaim a total of 35 hectares from the Madaveli lagoon.

Madaveli, home to a population of over 2,000 people, has long faced land shortages. Once completed, the project is expected to significantly increase available land on the island and provide a solution to housing needs for residents.