Posted on August 23, 2023
The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has been contracted to implement a shore protection project in Hulhudhuffaaru island of Raa atoll.
The contract was signed during a ceremony held at the Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure on Sunday.
Director General Fathimath Shana Farooq signed the agreement on behalf of the government and Chief Operating Officer Shahid Hussain Moosa signed it on behalf of MTCC.
Under the scope of the project, MTCC is required to construct a groyne measuring 473 meters, a 320-meter revetment and a low crested breakwater measuring 100 meters.
Further, the project also requires MTCC to carry out beach nourishment operations in an area measuring 20,500 cubic meters.
The Hulhudhuffaaru shore protection project is valued at MVR 32.33 million.
The implementation of the project will begin only after an Environmental Impact Assessment is carried out.
MTCC was contracted to complete the project within 210 days.
With a population of 1,609, Hulhudhuffaaru is one of the islands facing the threat of soil erosion and island residents are immersed in the fear of the destruction and damage being caused by soil erosion.
MTCC has revealed that a majority of the island’s west coast has already eroded, which has in turn caused several palm trees to fall. In addition to this, houses located on the beach have to face incidents linked to swell surges during high tides.
According to MTCC, after the completion of Hulhudhuffaaru shore protection project under the agreement, these issues will be resolved, and the island community will get to enjoy a mesmerizing beach in the future.
