As part of the ongoing land reclamation project for the development of Dhidhdhoo Airport in Haa Alif Atoll, 21 hectares of land have been successfully reclaimed to date. The project is being managed and executed by the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL). Under this initiative, a total of 115 hectares will be added to Dhidhdhoo’s landmass. According to MACL, reclamation efforts began on the 5th of this month, and with 21 hectares already completed, the project has reached an 18.75 percent milestone.
MACL highlighted that the dredger currently operating in Dhidhdhoo is one of the largest and most significant vessels of its kind globally. The “Leiv Eiriksson,” a Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger (TSHD), boasts a capacity of 46,000 cubic meters. This is the third dredger brought in by the government to expedite national land reclamation efforts.
During his visit to Dhidhdhoo last year, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu addressed the residents, reiterating the developmental pledges he made during his presidential campaign. The President emphasized that every commitment made was backed by a firm assurance of fulfillment. He specifically identified the airport development as a flagship project essential for the socio-economic advancement of Dhidhdhoo. Furthermore, he noted that the airport is a pivotal component of the long-term strategic development plan for both the island and the entire atoll. In alignment with the President’s vision, the project has been mobilized and is progressing at a rapid pace.
The reclamation project is set to resolve the long-standing issue of land scarcity in Dhidhdhoo, facilitating both the airport’s infrastructure and the allocation of land for housing. MACL further noted that upon completion of this project, the total land area of Dhidhdhoo will effectively double in size.
