Minister of Housing, Land, and Urban Development, Dr. Abdulla Muthalib, announced today that the causeway connecting L. Hithadhoo and L. Kunahandhoo is projected to be open for public use by mid-2028.

Responding to a query from MP Ahmed Shakir during today’s session of the People’s Majlis, Minister Muthalib clarified the project’s trajectory. He noted that although the initial agreement for the project was signed under the previous administration, no survey or design work had been initiated at that time. He credited the current administration for completing these essential preliminary phases, allowing physical work to commence last year.

Construction officially began on October 20, 2025, with an original completion target of March 2027 based on a 500-day schedule. However, the Minister acknowledged that current progress has encountered some delays. “While the project is not moving at the preferred speed, we are working to ensure the infrastructure is completed and ready for public use by mid-2028,” Minister Muthalib stated.

The MVR 81.2 million project, funded by the state budget, is being executed by the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) under the supervision of the Ministry of Construction, Housing, and Infrastructure. The scope of work includes connecting the islands of Hithadhoo, Mendhoo, and Kunahandhoo. Key components involve the installation of culvert segments, causeway segments, approach roads, and revetments across both the Hithadhoo-Mendhoo and Mendhoo-Kunahandhoo sections.

Once completed, the causeway is expected to provide significant socioeconomic benefits and ease of travel for the residents of the three interconnected islands.