Yameen criticises MTCC for low-capacity excavator in harbour projects

Former President Abdulla Yameen on Monday criticised the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) for using a low-capacity excavator in the construction of the harbour in Lh. Kurendhoo.

Speaking at the ‘Thila Uthuru Award’ ceremony held in HA. Dhidhdhoo, Yameen referred to recent photos and videos showing the harbour construction work being carried out with a small excavator.

Yameen said the use of such machinery was insufficient for a project of this scale, stating that excavators capable of digging to a depth of at least 3.5 to 4 metres were needed for proper harbour expansion.

“What happened to the Kurendhoo port? MTCC is doing this with a five-tonne excavator. The capacity of a five-tonne excavator is one metre deep,” he said.

“How can you deepen the port as much as the people want? What can a five-ton excavator do? It can dig to a depth of one metre.”

He added that if the public refrained from openly voicing their concerns, political figures would have to speak on their behalf. “We want to provide the people with what they need,” he said.

Yameen also noted that he attended the award ceremony at the invitation of President Mohamed Muizzu, who was unable to attend as he had begun an official visit to Lhaviyani Atoll earlier the same day.