A large portion of the land reclaimed for the planned airport in Raa atoll Alifushi has eroded, according to the island council.
The reclamation project was awarded to Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) on September 1, 2021, with practical work beginning on April 12, 2022.
The project involves reclaiming 50.1 hectares of land in Alifushi. Of this, 10 hectares are allocated for housing and island development, while 40.5 hectares are designated for the airport.
Alifushi Council president Adam Imran told Mihaaru News late last month that 15 percent of the planned reclamation had been completed but work had since stalled.
Imran said the reclaimed area had not been properly protected, leading to significant erosion.
“Nothing was done to protect the reclaimed area, and a large part of it has eroded,” he said.
The council has raised concerns with relevant authorities, he added.
Imran said officials had informed him that the project had not been fully halted and that some minor works were continuing, but no significant reclamation had taken place.
He also noted that equipment brought to the island for the airport project had been removed on three occasions.
Construction of airport facilities has also stalled, although much of the terminal structure has already been built. According to Imran, the building structure has been completed but the roofing has not yet been installed. A fire station building has also been completed.
Responding to the concerns, an MTCC media official said finishing materials for the airport structure are already on site.
The official said the project had been awaiting the arrival of roofing shingles, which have now been received.
Work on the airport structure is expected to resume after Ramadan, and could begin before the end of the month if preparations proceed as planned, the official said.
