Dhonfanu harbor and beach will be protected: Minister

Construction Minister Dr. Abdulla Muththalib has said today that even though the B. Dhonfanu dredging project has been halted by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, the project to build a harbor for the island and efforts to protect its beaches will move forward.

The project to dredge B. Dhonfanu, upgrading of the canal and beach protection was handed to MTCC by the ministry during President Muizzu's visit to the island.

Due to the damage that would be caused to Hanifaru Bay from the dredging of Dhonfanu, many individuals had expressed concern which led to President Muizzu stating today that the dredging project would not move forward.

A 73 meter boulder rock / tetrapod outer wall, along with a 1,276 meter tetrapod revetment will be built for the harbor project and beach protection project. A 314 meter boulder rock groin along with a two meter long and 24 meter wide jetty will also be built.

Many environmental organizations called for the stoppage of the dredging of Dhonfanu, close to Hanifaru Bay, due to the extensive environmental harm that would occur if the dredging had occurred. The dredging project was initially approved in order to bring a solution to the housing issue in Dhonfanu.

Hanifaru Bay is about a kilometer east of Dhonfanu.

Hanifaru Bay is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve home to manta rays and various other marine life and is a protected area in Baa Atoll. This area is a major attraction for many tourists visiting the Maldives.