Holhudhoo Harbour, Coastal Project Ongoing in Line With Public Demands: Council

The new harbour of Holhudhoo, Noonu Atoll was commissioned in December of 2017. But six years later, the habour has been barely used, with mounting complaints over the rough lagoon hindering safe docking.

In a bid to resolve the longstanding issue, this Administration in 2023 tasked the harbour realignment project to the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC).

With a population of about 1100 people, Holhudhoo located in the south of Noonu Atoll boasts a considerable fleet of boats. The continued expansion of local tourism, the island’s harbour has gradually become pivotal to its economy.

Speaking to PSM News, Holhudhoo Council President Rilwan Mohamed said during bad weather conditions, the lagoon inside the harbour is too rough for the safe docking of the boats, forcing the use of only one side of the harbour.

“Even when the weather is good, only the west side of the harbour can be used. The problem is that the harbour is too narrow. Some of the changes we proposed to the harbour have already been incorporated. We are hoping that the issue will be completely resolved when the whole project is completed,” Rilwan said.

The Holhudhoo Harbour Development Project includes dredging of the port, construction of a ramp, dredging of a channel and reclamation of an area of ​​more than 5300 cubic metres.

The project will also see 570 meters of seawall, 389 meters of revetment, 418 acres of pavement and harbour lights installed.

The council assured that the project is being carried in line with the wishes of its people.

In addition to the harbour project, the government has also entrusted MTCC to carry out the shore protection project to protect the island from seawells.

MTCC is aiming to complete both State funded projects worth around USD3 million next year.