MTCC begins development of Fohdhoo harbour

Work has commenced today on the development of a harbour at Noonu atoll Fohdhoo - a hope the residents of the island have held for 40 years.

Fohdhoo is amongst the few inhabited islands in Maldives that lack a harbour. They have approached consecutive governments seeking a solution to the inconveniences they face in travelling to and from the island due to the lack of a harbour.

Fohdhoo, with a population of just 540, has a thriving local tourism industry. The island presently uses a concrete jetty for docking.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu visited Fohdhoo today in his ongoing visit to Noonu Atoll. He participated in the ceremony to inaugurate the development of Fohdhoo's harbour. The work was officially inaugurated by Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Dr Abdulla Muththalib.

At the gathering held with residents of Fohdhoo, the island's council president Mohamed Moosa spoke of the difficulties faced by residents due to the lack of a harbour. He said that the people have waited 40 years in hope of getting a harbour.

Moosa said that the council and representatives from the Fohdhoo public had met with President Muizzu and appealed for a harbour, with the efforts now coming to fruition. He recalled that the President had assured even then that a harbour will be constructed on Fohdhoo.

The Fohdhoo harbour, which MTCC has today begun work on, is expected to cost MVR 53.7 million. MTCC is contracted to complete the project within 390 days.

Plans for the harbour include dredging, a 460-meter waterway, tide walls, paved surfaces, and the installation of channel and harbour lights.