Velidhoo road project stalls under Muizzu administration despite 80 percent completion
A road development project in Velidhoo that began in May 2022 has stalled with 80 percent completed under the previous government. Despite President Muizzu's assurances during his July visit to expedite remaining work and begin phase two, no progress has been made six months later. The MVR 88.5 million project covers 4.8 kilometers of roads with drainage and streetlights, but delays persist despite the island council's full cooperation.
Velidhoo road construction work: 80 percent of the project is complete | Raajje MV
It has emerged that the road development project in Velidhoo island of Noonu atoll has stalled under the administration of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, despite 80 percent of the work having been completed during the previous government.
The project to upgrade Velidhoo’s road network began in May 2022. The official ceremony marking the commencement of asphalt paving works on 10 major roads was attended by the then Managing Director of the Road Development Corporation (RDC), Moosa Ali Manik, MP for Velidhoo constituency, Mohamed Abdulla Shafeeq, and senior island officials.
In an interview with RaajjeTV, Velidhoo Island Council President Athif Hussain stated that 80 percent of the project had been successfully completed under the former administration. He further noted that during President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s visit to the island in July last year, assurances were given that the remaining work would be expedited and that the second phase of the road development project would commence shortly. However, he pointed out that these commitments have yet to be realized.
The Council President highlighted that six months have passed since the president’s visit and that the contracted project duration has already expired. He stated that multiple letters have been sent to the relevant authorities and to the Road Development Corporation regarding the delays. According to him, the island council has provided all necessary cooperation to facilitate the completion of the 10 roads, emphasizing that there are no land-related disputes or other obstacles hindering the progress of the project. He also expressed uncertainty over what further steps could be taken by the council to assist the government in moving the project forward.
The project entails the asphalt paving of 4.8 kilometers of Velidhoo’s main roads and was awarded to RDC at a total cost of MVR 88.5 million. In addition to road surfacing, the project scope includes the installation of a drainage system and the placement of streetlights along the newly developed roads.
