Land reclamation for Dhangethi to exceed current island size

A land reclamation agreement for Alifu Dhaalu Atoll’s Dhangethi has been signed today, marking a major step in expanding the island’s footprint with the reclamation exceeding the island's current size.

The agreement was signed by Construction Minister Abdulla Muththalib and MTCC Managing Director Ahmed Saudhee at a meeting with island residents, held during President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s tour of Alifu Dhaalu Atoll.

President Muizzu assured residents that shore protection, land reclamation, and harbour development would proceed in line with the wishes of the Dhangethi community.

Senior Council Officer Aminath Shifany noted that the island, home to more than 1,000 people, had not received new land allocations for 21 years.

“With this land reclamation project, the long-held dream of every resident to own land will finally become a reality,” she said.

The project is also expected to benefit the tourism sector, Shifany added. It will reclaim 27.32 hectares of land, surpassing the island’s current size of 24.2 hectares, according to the Maldives Statistics Bureau.

Awarded at a cost of MVR 279.92 million, the project is scheduled for completion within 570 days.