The overall project involves the construction and development of Fushidhiggaru Urban Settlement. The project is divided into two Phases: Phase I involves reclamation, shore protection and basic infrastructure construction; Phase II includes more specific infrastructure, housing and industrial developments. A total of 1200 Ha is planned to be developed, of which 1000 Ha will be reclaimed as land and 200 Ha in the lagoon will be allocated for harbour and marine support facilities. The project will be designed as a climate resilient island with island reclamation elevation and the shore protection designed against future sea level rise and natural hazard risks. The project will eventually support about 200,000 residents with self-sustainable infrastructure and services. The Project Phases are further divided into stages. Each of the two Phases will have multiple stages, which will be implemented as detailed studies and funding are completed.

The proposed project is located on the entire Fushidhiggaru Falhu. The location map of the project site is presented in the figure above. The project proposes to source sand from South Malé Atoll Lagoon and transport it to the Fushidhiggaru Falhu for reclamation.

The scope of works for this application is for Stage 2 and 3 of Phase I, involving dredging, reclamation and shore protection of a section of the overall reclamation plan. The activities of Stage 2 involves reclaiming 803 Ha and Stage 3 is 70 Ha. A total of 1000 Ha are planned to be reclaimed and 200 Ha of the lagoon are proposed for the harbour zone.

The project involves sourcing sand from atoll lagoon for reclamation and dredging four entrance channels to the lagoon. Dredging method used for the project is Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger (TSHD). A TSHD is a sea-going, self-propelled, free-floating vessel that loads dredged material into its hopper well. The TSHD’s dredging process consists of a cycle of loading (dredging), transporting (sailing) and discharging stage. Dredging takes place by means of one or two suction pipe(s), installed alongside the vessel. The material is loosened and collected by means of the drag head(s), which are located at the lower end of the suction pipe(s). Dredge pump(s) in the vessel or integrated in the suction pipe, lift the mixture of soil and water into the hopper well. After dredging, the TSHD stops pumping, lifts the suction pipe and drag head on deck and sails to the discharge area, with a speed between 5 and 15 knots. At the discharge area the TSHD discharges the load of dredged material; this can be done in different ways, such as discharging through bottom doors, or by pumping options. These options are rain bowing, pumping to a reclamation area, pumping to a spray pontoon or by pumping through the suction pipe.

Sand search survey is underway at the time of submission of this application and details of the borrow area will be submitted to EPA as soon as the surveys are completed.