Muridhoo Harbour Project Awaits Large Rocks as Government Arranges Funds

The harbour construction project in HA. Muridhoo, initiated in 2022 to address severe berthing difficulties, is currently paused pending the delivery of large rocks, according to the President of Muridhoo Council, Amjad Mohamed. He stated that the government has arranged the funds to bring the rocks and that work will begin as soon as they arrive. Muridhoo, with a population of about 900, is a farming island whose people make a living by producing coconut oil and sending it to Malé. The island's farmers face significant challenges in exporting goods due to the lack of a suitable safe harbour. A 700-foot harbour now exists from the project begun in 2022, but during rough weather the inner lagoon becomes rough, forcing boat operators to endure great hardships. "During rough weather, boat operators have to stay awake without sleeping. Because the large rocks have not been obtained, the work has not begun. The island's economy is linked to the harbour," said Council President Amjad Mohamed. He also noted that once the harbour work is fully completed, land will be available for commercial purposes. The government handed over the practical work of developing a modern new harbour in Muridhoo to MTCC in August 2021. Before this, the island's harbour and jetty had been destroyed, and tragic incidents had occurred, in some cases causing loss of life and significant property damage. Under the project, harbour dredging, the construction of a 407-metre outer breakwater, and a 50-metre groyne are included. It also involves building a 105-metre revetment, a 212-metre quay wall, and a ramp 9 metres long and 9 metres wide. Additionally, a walkway bridge 2 metres long and 15 metres wide will be built, paving will be done over an area of 1,703.61 square metres, and harbour lights will be installed.