Land reclamation for Nilandhoo airport contracted to MTCC

Mar 28, 2024, 7:11 AM
Faafu Nilandhoo. -- Photo: Adhadhu

Faafu Nilandhoo. -- Photo: Adhadhu

The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) was contracted on Wednesday for land reclamation and coastal protection for an airport planned to be developed in Faafu Nilandhoo.

The Construction Ministry said in a press statement that MTCC was contracted to reclaim 42.6 hectares of land and to build 2km of steel revetment and 1.4km of geobag revetment.

MTCC was awarded the project to be completed in 390 days. The ministry's press statement did not disclose the cost of the project.

MTCC also carried out the survey and environment impact assessment (EIA) needed for developing the Nilandhoo airport.

Land reclamation needed for the Nilandhoo airport was included in this year's budget. But funds needed to build the airport were not allocated in the budget.

The Nilandhoo airport is to be developed under the government's policy of establishing domestic airports within reach of 30 minutes from inhabited islands, resorts and industrial islands. The policy had been maintained since former President Abdulla Yameen's government.

It was Yameen's administration that first decided to develop an airport in Nilandhoo. However, the project did not go ahead.

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