Minister of National Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure Mohamed Aslam has refuted claims that workers at the Ameenee Magu project site are skimming asphalt off the road, stating that they are cleaning the area above utility junctions.
Road Development Corporation Limited (RDC) contracted the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) to lay asphalt on the first three segments of Ameenee Magu to fast-track the project. Some users on social media have posted videos claiming that it shows workers skimming asphalt from the surface of the road.
Responding to questions at the Parliament, Minister Aslam denied the claim and clarified that the video actually shows workers removing asphalt from junctions, which is a typical part of road development work. He added that there will be more situations in which workers would have to remove asphalt at various sites, as the Maldives is a developing nation that will have to accommodate different types of projects, such as the development of water supply and sewerage networks and de-watering systems.
Furthermore, Minister Aslam said that a stormwater drainage system is being developed in Ameenee Magu with five pump stations. He said that the wider pipes are being connected to the stations, which will be able to pump 1,000cbm of water.