Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (MNPHI) is gearing to open Kudagiri Picnic Island for the public by the end of November 2022.
According to the ministry, the picnic island project has entered the final preparation phase. The news was confirmed by the ministry’s State Minister Akram Kamaluddin.
Originally scheduled for a 26th July unveiling, the project was pushed back owing to unfinished project components; including landscaping and greenery works.
The ministry’s State Minister affirms landscaping and greening efforts are prioritized with several tree planting schemes. The state minister further confirms 95% the islands facilities and amenities have been completed already.
The picnic island is developed by dredging and reclaiming 8 hectares of Kudagiri lagoon near Male’ City. Additionally, a 1.5 hectare bay was developed adjacent to the island, creating swimming space for visitors. The venue is five minutes away via speedboat from Male’ City.
Government is proceeding with the project under two distinct phases, with basic services to be completed under the first phase. This includes development of a front office unit, power plant, mosque and 15 cottages for public use. In addition to this, public use toilets were constructed.
The picnic island will feature water sports and other recreational facilities, while overnight accommodation blocks will be fully developed by the end of the project. The ministry has already installed utility services inclusive of water, electricity and sewerage facilities in the island.
A total of five state-owned enterprises (SOEs) have contributed towards the completion of the picnic island including Housing Development Corporation (HDC) which had created the masterplan for the project, while the village is developed by MTCC, MWSC, Fenaka and STELCO.