Environment

Komandoo land reclamation complete

Reclamation of about 70 percent of the lagoon around the northern island has doubled its landmass from about ten hectares to nearly 20 hectares.

Published

7 years ago

April 16, 2018

The state infrastructure developer has completed reclamation work on the island of Komandoo in Shaviyani atoll, Mihaaru reported.

Reclamation of about 70 percent of the lagoon around the island has doubled its landmass from about ten hectares to nearly 20 hectares. The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company began the reclamation work with its new hopper dredger Mahaa Jarrafu on April 5.

According to the island council, the government plans to relocate the powerhouse and waste management centre and build 50 housing units in the reclaimed area.

The northern island has a population of about 1,800 people.

Mahaa Jarrafu was also used to reclaim land to develop airports on the islands of Kulhudhufushi and Funadhoo.

Last week, NGO Ecocare Maldives accused MTCC of “violating environmental regulations” by using the new dredger, urging a review of the “outdated” environmental impact assessment that was done in 2011.

Some MVR 11 million (US$701,798) from the 2018 state budget was allocated for the reclamation and shore protection of Komandoo island.

Photo from Komandoo council