Dhonfanu to Expand After 15-Year Wait for New Land

After 15 years without new land allocation, a major development is now underway in B. Dhonfanu. The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has been awarded the contract to dredge land and upgrade the island’s harbor canal.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu officially handed over the project during a community meeting held on the island. The agreement was signed by Minister of Construction Dr. Abdulla Muththalib and MTCC CEO Ahmed Saudhee.

According to local accounts, the last time land was officially allocated in Dhonfanu was in 2011. While the previous government had announced available plots, no handovers took place. Currently, about 30 to 40 plots can be allocated under the island’s land use plan, but demand remains higher than supply.

The new dredging work will cover 13 hectares, almost doubling Dhonfanu’s current size of 17.5 hectares. President Muizzu assured that physical work on the project will begin within the year.
To address housing shortages more broadly in Baa Atoll, MTCC has also been contracted for land dredging in Hithaadhoo and Kendhoo.

Additionally, the Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC) has signed a contract to improve facilities at Hithaadhoo School. This includes a multipurpose hall, six classrooms, a science lab, and a library. The agreement was signed by FDC Managing Director Hamdhan Shakeel and Minister of Education Dr. Ismail Shafeeu.