Development Projects on Maakurathu Nearing Completion: Harbor Expansion and New Council Building Among Key Upgrades

The island of Maakurathu in Raa Atoll is witnessing significant progress on several development projects, with harbor expansion and a new council building among the key initiatives nearing completion. Speaking to PSM News, Maakurathu Council Vice President Ismail Areef said the harbor extension work – adding 450 metres of space to the jetty – is now finished. He noted that a 400-metre breakwater made of large stones has also been completed, which has greatly relieved the problem of sand accretion in the harbor. The remaining work on the harbour includes the construction of a dinghy jetty, and the entire project is expected to be completed by the end of this year. Meanwhile, work on the new two-storey council building is advancing rapidly; the roof and painting are finished, and interior and finishing works have commenced. The current council office is too small, lacking space for staff and for storage of materials. Vice President Areef noted that there is no proper store-room and that adding even an extra desk is impossible due to limited space. The new building is expected to address these constraints. Coastal erosion remains a pressing concern for the islanders. According to the council, one area has eroded by 400 feet and another by 200 feet, affecting a beach zone used by residents and areas used for various work. The council stressed the need for an urgent solution. In addition to the harbour and council building, the island has also been selected for a government housing project under the decentralization scheme, with 30 rowhouses planned. The Council has already allocated the necessary land based on the island's Land Use Plan. Furthermore, ten roads on Maakurathu are to be upgraded to modern tarmac standards, and work is scheduled to begin soon.