Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has awarded a major road development project in Hulhumalé to China’s Rotime Engineering and Technology for MVR 91.8 million, strengthening infrastructure in one of the Maldives’ most strategically important urban and residential hubs. The agreement for the project was signed on 3 December by HDC Managing Director Ali Zuhair and Rotime Managing Director Zhou Weidong. HDC said the contract has been structured as part of a broader settlement arrangement tied to an earlier project previously granted to the company.
According to HDC, the newly awarded road project replaces the temporary workers’ accommodation development that had been assigned to Rotime in October 2022. That accommodation block had been planned to support the construction of an international sports stadium in Hulhumalé, a project that has since been halted following revisions to the Hulhumalé masterplan. With the revised plan placing greater emphasis on long-term urban livability, connectivity and access, HDC and Rotime reached a settlement agreement under which the company will now focus on road works that directly benefit residents, businesses, and future developments in the growing city.
Under the new contract, Rotime will develop 19,001 square metres of asphalt roads built to modern standards, covering five roads in Phase I of Hulhumalé and the main access road near the Vinares flats in Phase II. These areas are central to Hulhumalé’s expanding residential and commercial zones, where improved road networks are expected to ease traffic flow, enhance access to housing complexes, and support service providers and businesses catering to both locals and visitors. The upgraded road network is also anticipated to improve overall connectivity within Hulhumalé, which serves as a key urban extension of the capital region and a critical link to guesthouses, mixed-use developments and future tourism-related projects in the area.
In addition to constructing new roads, Rotime will carry out repair works on 8,012 square metres of damaged roads across both Phase I and Phase II. This component of the project is expected to address existing wear and tear, improve driving comfort and safety, and enhance the overall appearance and functionality of the neighbourhood streets. HDC stated that construction will begin in Phase I, with work in Phase II commencing after the initial segment is completed, allowing for a phased rollout that minimises disruption to residents and road users.
The total project value of MVR 91.8 million includes Goods and Services Tax. HDC noted that the financial structure of the agreement has been designed to avoid undue pressure on the corporation’s cash flow. Fifty percent of the project cost will be allocated in the first year, while the remaining 50 percent will be paid from 2027 over a six-year period. This staggered payment arrangement is expected to support HDC’s broader portfolio of housing, infrastructure and community development projects in Hulhumalé, as the island continues to evolve as a key residential and lifestyle hub within the Greater Malé Region.
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