While the Road Development Corporation (RDC) has announced plans to reconstruct the westernmost section of Ameenee Magu, starting from Ghiyasuddin International School, there is still no update on the project to modernize the roads of Male' and Villimale' under Chinese grant aid, which was previously slated to begin this year.
Speaking on the state broadcaster, PSM’s Raajje Miadhu program, RDC Managing Director Ibrahim Nazeem stated that efforts to resolve the ongoing issues with Ameenee Magu will be carried out by adhering to all technical standards and ensuring the work is meticulously planned to maintain high quality.
"However, God willing, as we reconstruct this area, we will pay close attention to all necessary technical standards. We are planning the project to ensure that the asphalt laying is executed to a high standard," he said.
Ameenee Magu underwent redevelopment during both the previous and current administrations. However, the section extending west from Ghiyasuddin School has since deteriorated again.
"We intend to bring in a specialized road engineer from overseas specifically for this purpose, to work alongside us during the execution of the project. We are currently working on making those arrangements," Nazeem said.
He further stated that following consultations with the Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure, the existing asphalt will be stripped and replaced within the next two weeks.
As RDC prepares for the Ameenee Magu project, the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) is currently modernizing the Outer Ring Road, laying asphalt from the Market area to Barceló Nasandhura hotel. Asphalt work has already been completed from the Market area to Jetty No. 1.
No date set to begin road redevelopment project in Male' with Chinese assistance
President Mohamed Muizzu earlier said the project with Chinese free assistance will begin in 2024, while Infrastructure Minister Abdullah Muththalib later said the project would start in 2025.
While the roads of Male' and Villimale' are scheduled for a major upgrade under Chinese grant aid, the current asphalt works on the Ring Road and Ameenee Magu are expected to incur significant costs to the state budget.
Although President Mohamed Muizzu had stated that the road development project would commence in 2024, Housing Minister Abdullah Muththalib had previously suggested work would begin in 2025. To date, the project has yet to start.
It has been over a year and a half since the feasibility study for the project was awarded to a contractor.
In response to inquiries from Adhadhu under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the Ministry of Infrastructure stated that the delay in the road project is due to the time required for the Chinese government to complete its internal administrative approval processes.
Project Details:
- Funding: $130 million grant aid committed by the Chinese government.
- Scope: Development of designated roads within Male' and Villimale'.
- Timeline: No specific commencement date has been set. The date will be finalized once the Chinese government grants the necessary approvals.
While Muizzu had previously stated that all roads in Malé would be developed with Chinese assistance, the Ministry of Infrastructure’s latest response clarified that only "designated roads" would be included in the project.
