The Maldives government has contracted Heavy Force Private Limited with the shore protection project in K. Thulusdhoo.
The project launched to alleviate continued soil erosion of the island is mounted on a total cost of MVR 36.1 million. Heavy Force is contracted to complete the project under four months.
The Director General of the Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Fathimath Shaana Farooq signed on behalf of the state while the Managing Director of Heavy Force Ibrahim Zameer signed on behalf of the contractor.
Project scope;
- 06 rock-boulder breakwaters: 70 meters each
- 02 rock-boulder Y-groynes: 50 meters each
- Rock-boulder revetment: 170 meters
Thulusdhoo, a local tourism-centric island with notable guesthouse properties, is a popular attraction for budget and adventure-seeking travelers. However, the budding local tourism industry in the island faces the threat of soil erosion which has been eroding the island’s beaches.
The island council’s president Aslam Moosa claimed that nearly 75 feet from the eastern shoreline has completely eroded off, which resulted in the death and complete loss of the tree-line in the area. Moosa further added that several of the guesthouse properties are situated close to areas that face heavy erosion – with the properties 30 feet away from the shoreline.
“A major portion from the area has eroded during the past three years, and had the erosion maintained the same momentum as before, it would meant the loss of the guesthouse properties in that area,” Moosa said.
He further noted that apart from the eastern shoreline, the island’s western shoreline was gradually eroding off as well.