Sustaining Harbor Operation and Maintenance in Maldives

In 2016, the Government of Maldives received a grant amounting to $9.69 million from ADB to construct a new passenger and cargo harbor as an expansion of the existing multipurpose harbor on Kulhudhuffushi Island. For the investment in the harbor infrastructure to be effective and sustainable, ADB provided technical assistance of $0.5 million to support the government to (i) enhance the institutional capacity of the operator in harbor operation, maintenance, safety, and financial management; and (ii) help promote income-generating livelihood opportunities for local communities in the northern region. The project improved interisland connectivity in the northern region by increasing (i) harbor passenger and cargo capacity in Kulhudhuffushi and (ii) institutional capacity in harbor operation, maintenance, safety, and financial management.

This document summarizes the challenges and recommended mitigation actions for the Government of Maldives in sustaining harbor operation and maintenance.

Key Points

• Improved interisland connectivity and accessibility to services and economic centers play important roles in achieving inclusive economic growth in Maldives, especially in remote atolls.
• In addition to continuing tangible investments in harbor infrastructure, harbor operation and maintenance should be key areas for development to ensure the sustainability of interisland connectivity and accessibility.
• Outreach to local communities will help them understand the opportunities the project provides, especially for the poor and for vulnerable groups including women.