MTCC Contracted To Join Komandoo Islands For MVR249 Million In Unbudgeted Funds

The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company has been contracted with the project to connect the islands of Komandoo (Shaviyani Atoll) and Mathi-Komandoo (Shaviyani Atoll) by dredging the lagoon. The project has been contracted weeks prior to the Komandoo bi-election.

The project had not been included in the State Budget that had been approved by the Majlis for 2022. President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had announced that the government would initiate the projects while speaking at the ceremony to kick-off the campaign for the MDP's candidate for the recently-vacated parliamentary seat.

The MTCC was contracted with the project at a signing ceremony held today at the Ministry of Planning, today. The contract was signed by Anwar Ali; the Deputy Director General of the Planning Ministry; and Adam Azim; CEO of the MTCC.

In addition to connecting both Komandoo and Mathi-Komandoo, reclaiming 16 hectares of land from Mathi-Komandoo had also been planned. In addition, a 1,500 metre sea-wall had also been included as part of the project.

The MTCC had been contracted to complete the project within 730 days. The cost of the project was MVR249 million, to be paid out-of-budget.

Other parties that are competing for the Komandoo seat have accused the government of launching the projects to exert undue influence over the outcome of the election.