The long-awaited land reclamation and coastal protection project in Gulhi has officially begun, fulfilling a key promise made by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to the island’s residents.
The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has mobilized resources to carry out the project, which had remained dormant since March 2023 despite being awarded by the previous administration. The renewed efforts come under a directive from President Muizzu, who had pledged during a January visit to Gulhi that the stalled initiative would soon resume.
Speaking at the official inauguration of the dredging works, MTCC Managing Director DCP (Retd) Ahmed Saudy stated that although the contract had been signed by the outgoing government, no progress had been made due to a lack of budget allocation and preparatory work.
“This project didn’t move forward at all under the previous administration. But under President Muizzu’s leadership, we’ve now initiated the work as a priority,” said Saudy. “If weather conditions remain favourable, we expect to complete the dredging within 45 days, after which the coastal protection phase will begin.”
The project will see 10.15 hectares of new land reclaimed for Gulhi—effectively doubling the island’s land area. In addition to dredging, the development plan includes the construction of 940 meters of stone revetment, 362 meters of geobag revetment, and an 88-meter groyne to safeguard the newly reclaimed land.
Land scarcity has long been a pressing issue for Gulhi residents, with local development hindered by limited space. During his January visit, President Muizzu acknowledged the budgetary challenges left behind by the former government but assured the community that the reclamation project would proceed in collaboration with the island council’s vision.
Now underway, the project represents a significant step toward resolving the island’s land shortage and enabling future infrastructure and housing developments.
