Male City Council has contracted Road Development Corporation (RDC) to install underground gas pipes, fire hydrants and improve road standards in the streets of Male' City.
At a function held in Male' City Council, the agreement was signed by Mayor Sifa Mohamed and Managing Director of RDC Moosa Ali Manik. RDC was contracted to complete the first phase of the project in two years, which costs USD 3.3 million. The project will see repairing of 18.08 kilometres in 416 Male' City streets.
The city council stated four designs will be used in repairing the roads, which are arterial roads, city roads, secondary roads and neighbourhood pedestrian roads. According to the city council, the new roads will allow the installation of electricity cables, water pipes, sewerage and dewatering systems without the need for digging the streets. In addition, the roads will also include fire hydrants and gas pipes.
The project is reported to cost a total of USD 29.96 million. The first phase will begin with the development of 7 roads near the West Park Area.
At the contract signing ceremony, Mayor Sifa said the new roads would enable the city council to establish a public transport system, reducing people's dependency on motorcycles and taxis. The new roads would also allow the establishment of better parking spaces and structures, reducing the road congestion in Male'. She said all streets will have a pavement on both sides of the road, making the roads safe for all ages.
The mayor expressed hope the road maintenance project will reduce the constant digging and flooding in Male'.