The Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure has announced plans to upgrade Male’ roads to modern standards with the assistance of the Chinese government, aiming to address all existing issues with the roads and effectively resolving them.
The Maldives Government signed an agreement with the Chinese Government to build the roads of Male’ and Villimale’ during President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s visit to China in January this year. Since then, a team of technical experts from China has visited the Maldives to conduct research, which concluded on November 22.
Speaking to PSM News, Minister of State for Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Ibrahim Nazeem said the ongoing works include the preparation of a feasibility study by the Chinese team. The project’s planning and implementation can commence only after the feasibility report is completed, he said.
The State Minister expressed optimism that the project would bring about a comprehensive and permanent solution to all issues encountered in the existing roads. The project is also expected to solve the flooding caused due to heavy rain.
“Once the roads are constructed, it will bring a permanent solution to the recurring issue of flooding. We do not want to do any work just for the sake of doing work. We aim to begin the project’s practical work as soon as possible, and conclude the project within the next two or three years,” Nazeem said.
According to the Ministry, the roads will be reconstructed under China’s free assistance by using tar and with improved accessibility for utility services. Water and sewerage systems, power upgrades, stormwater drainage systems, and fire hydrants will also be installed.
The Villimale’ Road Project involves the construction of 5.6 kilometers of roads integrated with electricity networks, sewerage systems and drainage systems. The practical work of the project is set to begin after carrying out topographic, hydrological and geotechnical surveys in addition to an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA). The surveys were handed over to the Road Development Corporation (RDC) earlier this year.
The new road development initiative was prompted by the long-standing issues of poor road condition and flooding in Male’. Although previous attempts were made to address the issues, a permanent solution has not been implemented to date.