Naifaru Land Reclamation Reaches 95 Percent Completion Ahead of Schedule

The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has announced that reclamation work in Naifaru, Lhaviyani Atoll, is now 95 percent complete. The project, which aims to significantly expand the island's landmass, is currently progressing ahead of the projected timeline. Launched in October 2023 during a visit by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, the initiative involves reclaiming 44.8 hectares of land. While the dredging phase is nearly finished, MTCC reports that the overall project progress stands at 70 percent, as teams transition toward essential infrastructure and coastal stabilization. To ensure the longevity of the new land, the project includes comprehensive coastal protection measures. These consist of 1,813 meters of large rock revetment, 803 meters of rock boulder outer seawalls, and 474 meters of large rock groynes. MTCC has already delivered the necessary rock boulder shipments to the site to begin the revetment rock profiling works. The scope of the project evolved after it was initially awarded; while 21 hectares had already been reclaimed, the government expanded the plan to align with its vision of transforming Naifaru into a strategic urban center. This expansion is designed to support a growing population and provide the necessary space for modern urban development. Naifaru has a history of land expansion, including a 16-hectare reclamation project in 2004 to address critical housing shortages. By expanding the island's current 55-hectare area, this latest project is expected to create sustainable opportunities for residential and commercial growth, securing the island's future as a regional hub in Lhaviyani Atoll.