Muthalib says practical construction on major Male' and Villimale' roads is expected to begin by late this year or early next year

Housing Minister Dr. Abdulla Muthalib said Monday that the government hopes to begin practical construction work on the main roads in the city area by the end of this year or early next year.

Surveys and studies required for the project’s detailed drawings, being carried out under free assistance from the Chinese government, began on the second day of this month.

This morning, Minister Muthalib and Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives, Kong Xianhua, inspected the progress of the ongoing work.

Speaking afterwards, Muthalib said the project is being implemented in two phases. One phase involves designing all roads in Male' and Villimale'.

According to the minister, the study work includes identifying solutions to flooding and other long‑standing issues.

He said the second phase focuses on preparing practical works for key roads: Majeedhee Magu, Shaheed Ali Hingun, Kanbaisa-Rani Hingun in front of IGMH, and the road where the new hospital will be built in Villimale'.

He added that instead of studying all roads simultaneously, the government is prioritizing the roads that experience the most flooding, with the aim of beginning practical work on those sections first.

“Therefore, we hope to complete the preparatory work and begin construction on the most important roads, such as Majeedhee Magu, Kanbaisa-Rani Hingun and the Villimale' hospital area, by the end of this year or early next year,” Housing Minister Dr. Abdulla Muthalib said.

According to the minister, the biggest challenge will be upgrading the drainage system. He noted that if network adjustments are required during construction, they will be carried out accordingly.

The Chinese Ambassador said the project is a symbol of the long‑standing relationship between the two countries. He noted that detailed design works are now underway and preparations are progressing to begin practical construction.

Early in his presidency, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu told reporters after his first visit to China in January 2024 that China had arranged USD 130 million in free aid. He said the largest portion of the assistance would be spent on redeveloping roads in the capital.

There are a large number of vehicles in the city area, and concerns about deteriorated road conditions and flooding during rainfall have persisted for many years.