Numerous potholes on Male’ roads raising safety concerns

Numerous potholes have formed on several streets in Malé, including the recently redeveloped Ameenee Magu, raising safety concerns.

In this regard, asphalt in front of the Food Court and in front of Billabong School in Ameenee Magu has been damaged.

The segment of Ameenee Magu in front of Iskandar Koshi has already been renovated recently after the asphalt was damaged.  

The numerous potholes in Male’ roads that are used by thousands of people every day increase the chances of accidents.  

Sun has been unsuccessful in its efforts to obtain a comment from Male’ City Council and Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure regarding the issue.  

The redevelopment of Ameenee Magu had been the biggest road development project carried out in Male’ in recent times.

Male’ City Council had first initiated the redevelopment of Ameenee Magu, contracting the project to Road Development Corporation (RDC) for MVR 39 million. However, the project was overtaken by the Infrastructure Ministry, which contracted the work to RDC for double the value at MVR 84 million.

Under the project, RDC was tasked with developing 7.1 kilometers of asphalt road, installing a storm drain system, and installing street lights, within a period of 10 months.

The delays in the project had prompted criticism towards the former administration.

Speaking during last October, Infrastructure Minister Dr. Abdulla Muthalib said physical works on the redevelopment of all Male’ roads are expected to commence mid-this year, with the target to complete the work in four years.

The safety concerns surrounding Male’ roads come amid a high number of road accidents.

In this regard, road accidents remain the second highest type of cases reported to the Police, with 1,542 road accidents reported so far this year.