Practical work begins on causeway linking Hithadhoo, Kunahandhoo, and Mandhoo

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu today inaugurated the work on the causeway project that will connect L. Hithadhoo, Kunahandhoo, and Mandhoo.

The project to connect Hithadhoo and Kunahandhoo was previously initiated during the last administration. Although the project was contracted to a party in 2019, the physical work on the causeway had not begun even by 2023.

Speaking at a ceremony in Hithadhoo after inaugurating the causeway work during his current visit to Laamu Atoll, President Muizzu stated that despite the project being stalled for various reasons, the work will now be expedited and completed.

The project, which has now been assigned to Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), will involve the construction of a 210-meter causeway between Kunahandhoo and Mandhoo, and a 75-meter causeway between Mandhoo and Hithadhoo. The width of the vehicle roadway will be 7.80 meters.

MTCC stated that the project, valued at MVR 81.2 million, is scheduled to be completed within 500 days.

Regarding other ongoing projects in Hithadhoo, the President mentioned that efforts are underway to strengthen the island's health system by constructing a new Health Centre building, which will feature four wards, a Public Health Unit, and a laboratory. The President stated that this work is part of the effort to upgrade the island's Health Centre to a hospital.

He also assured that the contract for the island's school building will be signed very soon, and work to establish an ice plant will also be carried out.

Addressing the long-standing issue of an airport for the area, the President said the government has not yet decided on a specific island for the airport development. However, he stated that the project will proceed in a financially viable manner.

"A very good, feasible proposal has been submitted from your side as well, which has been presented after considering all angles," the President said regarding a proposal submitted by Hithadhoo for the airport construction.

The President gave his assurance that all other pledges made previously to Hithadhoo, even if the contracts are not signed at this moment, will be fulfilled.

During the President's visit, the foundation stones for the newly constructed Fitness and Recreation Centre and the Police Station in Hithadhoo were also laid.