Road Development Corporation (RDC) has begun the second phase of road development in Dhidhdhoo, Haa Alifu Atoll.
Ministry of National Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure contracted RDC to complete the second phase of road development in Dhidhdhoo in April. As part of the second phase, RDC will be paving 5.4km of roads, installing a stormwater drainage system and installing street lights. The company is tasked with completing the project within 540 days at a cost of USD7 million.
RDC has transferred all necessary equipment and resources and has begun fieldwork in Dhidhdhoo. Workers are now digging the cable junctions and laying pipes on the roads. The company plans to pave 19 roads including roads connecting to the harbour, the main roads, and the roads on the newly reclaimed land.
The previous government commenced the first phase of the road development project in Dhidhdhoo, which was contracted to the Maldives Road Development Corporation (MRDC). The company had paved 14 roads but the Dhidhdhoo Island Council stated that the project has resulted in damage to the sewerage network and other issues including the developed roads needing renovations. The current government aims to avoid such issues in the second phase by holding discussions with the island council and residents.
Dhidhdhoo has a population of 4,700 residents and is the administrative island of Haa Alifu Atoll. As such, many travellers arrive on the island for various purposes.