The practical work of land reclamation and development an airport in R. Alifushi has commenced officially.
The project was kicked off at a ceremony held in Alifushi on Tuesday.
Speaking at the ceremony, Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC)'s CEO Adam Azim said the largest land being dredged in the history of MTCC is Alifushi.
"The newly dredged land will be connected to Alifushi, and the area of Alifushi will be increased to 96 hectares," Azim explained.
Speaking at the ceremony, Alifushi MP Mohamed Rasheed said that air travel to Alifushi is a dream of the people of the island. Therefore, today is a happy day for the people of Alifushi, he said.
The government awarded the contract to develop Alifushi airport to MTCC on September 1 last year with a deadline of 750 days. The value of the project is MVR 452 million.
A total of 50.5 hectares of land will be dredged for the construction of the airport, including 40.5 hectares for the airport and 10 hectares for housing. A 2,871-metre revetment and a 480-meter groyne will be constructed to protect the shore of the dredged land.
The airport will have a 1,200-metre runway, taxiway, terminal buildings, security fence, fire station, and service road.
CEO Azim had earlier said the project would be completed within the deadline given by the government.
In addition to Alifushi, the government will be developing airports in HDh. Makunudhoo, Sh. Bilehfahi, B. Thulhaadhoo, F. Magoodhoo, Th. Vilufushi, and an R. atoll island. The government is preparing to open airports in GDh. Fares Mathoda and M. Muli within this year.
