Naifaru Land Reclamation Project Surpasses Halfway Mark

A major land reclamation project in Naifaru, Lhaviyani Atoll, has passed the halfway point, with officials confirming that 54 percent of the dredging work is now complete. The USD 44 million project, being executed by the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), aims to reclaim 44.8 hectares of land to alleviate severe space constraints on the densely populated island. The initiative began in October 2023, following a visit by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, and is a cornerstone of the government's strategy to develop Naifaru into a key urban centre. Originally planned to reclaim 21 hectares in its first phase, the government has now committed to developing the entire allocated area under its broader Urban Centre Development Project. This significant expansion is designed to support new housing and unlock fresh economic and social opportunities for Naifaru's population of over 5,000 residents. Beyond dredging, the project incorporates extensive coastal protection infrastructure to safeguard the new land from erosion. This includes constructing 1,813 meters of large rock revetment, 803 meters of a rock boulder outer seawall, and 474 meters of large rock groynes. This is not the first time Naifaru has expanded its shores; 16 hectares were reclaimed back in 2004 to meet housing demands. The current project is scheduled for completion within one year and nine months. Once finished, it will substantially increase the island's total land area from its current 55 hectares, providing a foundation for future growth and urban development.