The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a grant of $9.6 million to the Republic of the Maldives to expand Kulhudhuffushi Harbor.
The project will construct a dedicated passenger and cargo harbor that can cater to larger cargo vessels and accommodate a long-distance passenger service from the central and southern regions.
“The lack of transport connectivity is a major constraint to development in the Maldives, which has more than 1,000 coral islands scattered over 90,000 square kilometers in the Indian Ocean, making it one of the most dispersed countries in the world ,” said Andri Heriawan, ADB Transport Specialist.
“Better connectivity will mean many more people will have better access to jobs as well as schools, hospitals and other medical services.”
At present, Kulhudhuffushi Harbor is used for passenger traffic, cargo transport, commercial fishing and transport of agricultural commodities.
Increasing the capacity of the harbor to cater to 250 vessels per day from the current 150 vessels will improve connectivity in the northern region and enhance access to the services and amenities available on Kulhudhuffushi Island
The Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure will be responsible for implementing the project, which is expected to be completed by December 2019.
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