The design phase of the project to modernise the roads of Male’ and Villimale’ is ready to commence. The project is being carried out under China's free assistance.
The modernisation of Male’ City is a key priority of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s administration. While the project was initially planned to be funded through the state budget, the Chinese government agreed to provide grant assistance for the project during the President's official visit to China.
As such, a Letter of Exchange was signed on Thursday between the Government of Maldives and the Government of China to implement the China-aided Redevelopment of Male’ and Villimale’ Roads Project.
The agreement was signed by the Minister of Construction, Housing, and Infrastructure, Dr Abdulla Muththalib and the Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives, Kong Xianhua. The signing marks the beginning of the project’s design phase.
According to the government, as the project will be undertaken under China's grant assistance, project details and contractors will be arranged through Chinese agencies. The government has stated that it aims to begin practical implementation of the project within this year.
The redevelopment project will also include upgrades to water and sewerage systems, electricity networks, installation of stormwater systems and fire hydrant systems.
The tarring of Male’ City roads first began during President Muizzu’s tenure as Minister of Housing, when asphalt was laid from the Industrial Village area to the MTCC Ferry Terminal. Although the subsequent Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) administration had planned to pave the remaining unpaved section of Boduthakurufaanu Magu, the work has not yet been completed.