Kulhudhuffushi Harbor Expansion Project

Inclusive public consultations and close relationships among stakeholders are crucial to determine the most appropriate design and ensure the smooth implementation especially of project components introduced for the first in the country or project sites. The project design underwent various scope changes, some of which were in response to requests from the Kulhudhuffushi City Council (KCC). The scope changes and additional works delayed project implementation. The issue with the separation wall, declined by the new KCC leadership but approved by its predecessor, was likely due to inadequate engineering designs. The separation wall being introduced was one of if not the first such wall in any of the harbors in Maldives. During the completion review mission in August 2022, the project harbor had not yet officially opened to the public because of the remaining rectification and additional works. The design and preparation of future similar projects need to be strengthened through more public consultations, which should include all major stakeholders such as government bodies and local councils, residents, business entities, and the project team. Maintaining a close relationship among the stakeholders will greatly improve project implementation and potentially avoid unforeseeable delays.