President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the comprehensive road-upgrade project supported through a grant from the Government of China will provide a long-term solution to the persistent road, drainage and flooding challenges affecting Malé and Villimalé.
Speaking during the fourth episode of the government-produced podcast series “The Pulse,” President Muizzu explained that the programme has been designed to address years of deterioration across the capital’s road network, including damaged surfaces, inadequate storm-water drainage, recurring flooding and infrastructure limitations that have affected daily travel and urban mobility.
The President noted that, apart from road-development initiatives undertaken during the administration of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, including major works on Ameenee Magu, many streets in the capital have continued to deteriorate due to poor construction standards and insufficient maintenance. He said these challenges have become more serious as the population of the Greater Malé region has expanded and the number of vehicles operating within the city has increased substantially.
Rapid urbanisation and rising traffic volumes have placed additional pressure on roads originally developed for a smaller population and fewer vehicles. The resulting congestion, surface damage and limited drainage capacity have affected residents, businesses, public transport operators and emergency services, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
Reflecting on his previous responsibilities as Minister of Housing and Mayor of Malé City, President Muizzu said addressing roadside flooding had been among his earliest priorities. Phased storm-water drainage systems were introduced in several areas to reduce water accumulation and improve road conditions. Although these interventions produced visible improvements, he said they did not provide the complete and permanent solution required for the capital.
The new programme will deliver a coordinated urban road network incorporating asphalt resurfacing, road paving and integrated de-watering systems. Dedicated firefighting infrastructure will also be installed as part of the project, strengthening the city’s preparedness and enabling emergency services to respond more effectively when required.
By combining road construction with drainage, de-watering and firefighting infrastructure, the programme is expected to improve the durability and resilience of the capital’s transport network. It will also support safer movement for pedestrians and motorists, reduce disruptions caused by flooding and provide a more reliable urban environment for residents, visitors and businesses.
President Muizzu confirmed that funding for the project has already been secured and that construction is expected to commence by the end of 2026 or in early 2027. The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company has been awarded the contract to repair Ameenee Magu, while road-development works on Bodu Thakurufaanu Magu are approaching completion.
“This is a solution to a long-standing problem. It will provide easy, pleasant roads and resolve the flooding, de-watering and firefighting challenges once and for all,” the President said.
Describing the programme as the largest road-construction initiative undertaken in the capital since the Maumoon administration, President Muizzu said the development would extend beyond improving road surfaces. The project is expected to ease traffic movement, strengthen drainage capacity, reduce flood vulnerability and enhance emergency-response infrastructure throughout Malé and Villimalé.
The planned improvements form part of the government’s broader efforts to modernise essential infrastructure in the Greater Malé region and improve the quality of urban services. Once completed, the upgraded road network is expected to provide a safer, more efficient and more resilient transport environment capable of supporting the capital’s growing population and future development.
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