Minister of Construction and Infrastructure Dr. Abdulla Muththalib has revealed plans to redevelop the Addu City link road to modern standards and initiate the second phase of road construction in the region.
Speaking to PSM News during his visit to Addu, Minister Muththalib disclosed that key projects, including land reclamation, beach protection, and the Hankede Bridge project under the Indian Line of Credit facility from EXIM Bank, have been handed over to the Maldivian government. He emphasised that these projects would significantly boost the Addu economy. He also highlighted the Hankede Integrated Tourism Development Project, which is expected to create numerous job opportunities and increase tourism capacity in the region.
Additionally, Minister Muththalib noted that Addu now has the largest artificial beach ever developed in the Maldives, constructed through land reclamation. He added that this beach is intended to be dedicated to local tourism as part of the upcoming land use plan. He also said that the residents of Addu share the government's vision of transforming the area into a well-developed destination.
Regarding the road construction project in Addu, Minister Muththalib said that the majority of the work has been completed, with the entire project expected to finish within the year. The modernization of the roads in Addu includes the development of over 100 km of roads to contemporary standards. The project will also integrate drainage systems, street lights, and cameras into a CCTV network.
Furthermore, Minister Muththalib highlighted the government's commitment to launching the second phase of road construction in Addu, prioritising the link road. He said that the Addu Four Lane Detour Link Road, or Hankede Bridge, is a key infrastructure project in the southwest of Hankede, developed for tourism purposes. Initiated in 2021, the bridge features four lanes and is crucial for the area's tourism development.
Moreover, Minister Muththalib underscored the necessity of redeveloping the Addu link road, which is over 20 years old and in poor condition. He stressed that expanding and properly developing this link road is vital for the city's progress. He also said that the government plans to prioritise the redevelopment of the link road and other remaining roads in the region.
The Addu road construction project will cover over 100 km, significantly more than the 60 km previously planned by the previous government. The new roads will be paved and developed to meet modern standards.