25 hectares reclaimed in Kinbidhoo in 17 months to address housing needs

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has inspected 25 hectares of land reclaimed in Thaa Atoll Kinbidhoo, a project completed in 17 months to address the island’s housing shortage.

The reclamation project was originally budgeted during the first year of the former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration, but no work was carried out until the start of President Muizzu’s tenure.

Work began on 15 April 2024 and was completed on 24 March 2025 by the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC).

The reclaimed land will also serve as the site for the Kinbidhoo-Veymandoo causeway, fulfilling another presidential promise. President Muizzu noted that the project will create opportunities for residents from other islands to move to Kinbidhoo and provide economic development for both islands.

Given the distance between Kinbidhoo and Veymandoo, the President said the causeway would be better executed through contractor financing rather than direct government spending.

The Ministry of Construction announced the project on 22 September.

The causeway will be developed as an integrated tourism island, allowing investment in the area between the islands. Investors may use a cross-subsidy model or other financing methods to recover their investment, including investor loans or contractor financing, he said.