The Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure has announced the completion of dredging and land reclamation work in Gulhifalhu, a project initiated under the previous government aimed at providing additional housing opportunities for the residents of Malé City.

This operation culminated on April 15, 2024, with the delivery of the final cubic meter of sand to complete the reclamation of the island.

The project, which was carried out in two phases with funding from European banks, was awarded to the Boskalis Group of the Netherlands.

In total, approximately 18 million cubic meters of sand were dredged and pumped to reclaim 192 hectares of the lagoon area.

According to a post on social media by the Construction Ministry, the dredging and land reclamation work concluded on Monday, marking a significant milestone in the development of Gulhifalhu.

With an estimated cost of EUR 118 million, the project commenced in July of the previous year and involved dredging and pumping sand in the K. Gulhifalhu area.

The operation resulted in reclaiming approximately 150 hectares of new land from the sea.

All four of Boskalis' 'Royal' trailing suction hopper dredgers - Oranje, Queen of the Netherlands, Willem van Oranje, and Prins der Nederlanden - participated in this extensive land development endeavor.

In the subsequent months, the project team will focus on installing a revetment over a 2.6-kilometer stretch to protect the newly reclaimed area from the forces of the Indian Ocean.

This ambitious project, which cost about 3 billion MVR, stands as the largest sand dredging initiative in the Maldives to date.

Initially, Gulhifalhu was earmarked for the establishment of a commercial port; however, the government has since decided to relocate the port to Thilafushu, reserving Gulhifalhu for residential purposes.

Additionally, the government has approved the addition of 85 hectares of land to the Gulhifalhu area and has initiated the transfer of land allocated by the previous administration from Giraavarufalhu.

The completion of the dredging and land reclamation project in Gulhifalhu signifies a significant step forward in the government's efforts to address housing needs in Malé City and underscores its commitment to infrastructure development and urban planning initiatives.