MACL Begins Dredging and Development of Maafaru Falhu as New Urban Centre

News

The Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has been awarded the contract to dredge and develop Maafaru Falhu as an urban centre, marking another major step in President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s nationwide decentralisation and economic diversification plan.

The agreement was formalised during the President’s visit to Alif Dhaalu Mahibadhoo. Minister of Finance and Planning Moosa Zameer signed the agreement on behalf of the Government, while MACL Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed signed on behalf of the company.

Following the signing ceremony, dredging work at Maafaru Falhu has already commenced.

Maafaru Falhu — a vast lagoon and forested area located between Mahibadhoo and Omadhoo — was brought under Mahibadhoo’s jurisdiction in April last year. In December, President Dr Muizzu met with the Mahibadhoo Council to discuss the area’s development, instructing the council to conduct public consultations to guide the creation of a master plan.

The Government has identified Maafaru Falhu as one of seven strategic locations across the Maldives to be developed into new urban centres. This initiative aims to promote balanced regional development, generate economic opportunities, and strengthen the foundation of the Administration’s decentralisation agenda.