Building materials arrive in Maldives

The deliveries have been a morale boost for islanders. Kohlufushi was one of the first islands to see equipment arrive.

“We’ve been patient and we will continue to be patient. Seeing the warehouses go up has rekindled my hope,” said a representative from Kohlufushi women’s development committee.

Warehouses have been erected on five islands where reconstruction will take place and an operational hub established on a further island. 

“The main challenge is the geography,” explained Agnes Le Bloch, logistics delegate.  “The islands where we are building are so scattered and there is a complete lack of local resources and infrastructure for such a large scale project.”

All construction material and equipment, as well as the majority of the workforce, must be imported. Goods arrive on large bulk boats that have to anchor offshore before smaller, local boats unload onto the islands – a process that requires dozens of short journeys and can take days to complete.

Reconstructing a considerable number of houses on relatively small islands also requires setting up de-salination plants and generators to ensure work does not overburden already stretched water and electricity supplies.

“These boats are the first of many,” said Agnes.  “Now warehouses are set up, islands will see construction materials and equipment arriving in increasing quantities on a regular basis.  In order to make sure materials are from sustainable sources, we have had to ship supplies in from as far afield as Europe, so it’s very rewarding to see them actually here.”

With the necessary equipment now in place, contractors have been clearing plots ready for construction to begin.  Boats will continue to arrive at the islands almost weekly throughout the next year, with the first families expected to move into their new homes by March 2006.