The Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure in the Maldives has awarded a USD4.5 million contract to the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) for the renovation and expansion of the harbour in Maalhos, Baa atoll. The agreement was signed by the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of MTCC, Shahid Hussain Moosa, and the Permanent Secretary of the planning ministry, Zeeniya Ahmed Hameed.
The project involves the development of a 700ft long harbour and the paving of the surrounding area, as well as the installation of harbour lights. The project is expected to be completed within 450 days.
The Maalhos harbour has been in use for many years, but has deteriorated due to inadequate repairs after the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004. As a result, the residents have been facing challenges in loading and unloading goods. The President of Maalhos Island Council, Abdulla Shujau, stated that the shallow lagoon has made it difficult for boats carrying goods to reach the island, causing economic loss to the island.
The development of the harbour was recommended by the residents, and the project is expected to alleviate the economic burden caused by the inadequate harbour. The expansion and renovation of the harbour will facilitate the transport of goods and help boost economic activities on the island.
This project is one of the many infrastructure development projects in the Maldives aimed at improving the lives of the residents. The government of Maldives is committed to developing infrastructure and providing basic amenities to its citizens, and this project is a step in that direction.
