The Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure has awarded contracts to two companies to conduct a survey and environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the development of roads in Villimale' and the Nilandhoo airport.
The Road Development Corporation (RDC) has been awarded the contract to conduct the survey and EIA for the Villimale' road development project. Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) was awarded the contract to conduct the survey and EIA for the reclamation required for the Nilandhoo airport development project.
The contract to conduct the survey and EIA for the Villimale' road development project was signed by Minister of State Ibrahim Thoaam Mohamed and Managing Director of RDC Brigadier General (retired) Ali Zuhair. At the signing ceremony, Minister Dr. Abdulla Muhthalib said the survey and EIA is scheduled to be completed within 120 days.
Additionally, Minister Muhthalib highlighted the work that needs to be done before fieldwork begins for the Villimale' road development project. As such, he said that a topographic survey needs to be conducted for Villimale'. Therefore, he said that the ministry decided to conduct a geotechnical and hydrological survey and EIA to determine the condition of the roads and contract the road development project after confirming the exact cost.
Furthermore, Minister Muhthalib said the survey to upgrade the water, electricity and sewerage services in Villimale' is also underway and the ministry has decided to complete all the necessary preparations for the road development project before the survey is completed. He noted that one of the most crucial aspects of road development is to ensure that water, sewerage, electricity and other services are properly arranged, thereby preventing further difficulties encountered in the work.
As such, Minister Muhthalibd said that the survey for 5.6km of roads in Villimale' will be completed at the same time as the detail design, EIA, and the stormwater design. Afterwards, the fieldwork will begin with a total solution involving plans for the electricity and sewerage systems in the roads. He also said that the road development project will be conducted after holding discussions with the residents and incorporating their suggestions. He added that the project is expected to cost USD116,000.
Moreover, the ministry has awarded the contract to MTCC to complete the survey and EIA for the reclamation under the Nilandhoo airport development project within 120 days. The contract was signed by Chief Executive Officer Abdulla Ziyad.
The development of Nilandhoo airport has also been included in this year’s budget. Minister Muhthalib said the survey will determine the amount of sand needed to reclaim the land and how much shore protection is needed to protect the area. He added that the airport project will be carried out this year with reclamation and shore protection work.