The Planning Ministry has handed over the dredging of land in three islands designated for airport development.
The Planning Ministry today awarded the contract to Capital Marine and Construction Pvt Ltd to dredge land required for airport development in Sh. Bilehfahi, B. Thulhaadhoo, and Th. Vilufushi. The project cost is US$42.5 million, which is equivalent to MVR 653 million.
The agreement was signed by the ministry's Director General Fathmath Shana Farooq, while Capital Marine's Managing Director Sivaraja Manivannan signed the agreement on behalf of the company.
Land reclamation plan
56.34 hectares of land from Sh. Bilehfahi
44.70 hectares of land from B. Thulhaadhoo
44.70 hectares of land from Th. Vilufushi
President Solih has expressed intentions to construct airports on various other islands across different atolls, including HDh. Makunudhoo, R. Beriyanfaru, B. Thulhaadhoo, F. Magoodhoo, and Th. Vilufushi. Among these islands, active construction work for an airport has only commenced in F. Magoodhoo. Additionally, land dredging and shore protection required for airport development in HDh. Makunudhoo were contracted to BIG Fish Maldives Pvt Ltd on June 22.
Although several airport projects were previously announced, President Solihlater announced an additional airport project in R. Alifushi, which is presently in progress, while the others have yet to commence.
Only one airport project was initiated and successfully completed during President Solih's current term-- the Hoarafushi Airport. Furthermore, Fares Mathoda Airport was also completed under this administration and was inaugurated on March 16. At present, construction work is underway for Muli Airport.
