Road construction in N. Kendhikulhudhoo fails to progress despite two separate attempts to commence the project
15 ފެބުރުއަރީ 2026 | އާދީއްތަ 21:09The Kendhikulhudhoo Island Council has expressed serious concern over the slow progress of a MVR 90.8 million project contracted to RDC for the asphalt paving of eight roads. The Council estimates that at the current pace, it will take two years just to complete the installation of paving blocks, noting that while physical work stalls, ten security guards remain stationed on-site solely to watch over the materials.
The Road Development Corporation (RDC) site for the road construction project in N. Kendhikulhudhoo. | RaajjeMV | Raajje MV
The Kendhikulhudhoo Island Council has stated that the island's road construction project has been initiated twice, yet work remains at a standstill.
The Kendhikulhudhoo road construction project initially commenced in April 2024. Following a period of inactivity, the project was resumed in July 2025.
Speaking to RaajjeTV, the President of the Island Council, Mohamed Shahid, stated that the project initially commenced in an indoor hall to coincide with the parliamentary elections. He further noted that a drainage system constructed during the second attempt to restart the project remains buried in the middle of the road to this day.
"A drain has been buried beneath this location. It was constructed by the RDC during their initial attempt to commence work on the main road project," he said.
An inspection of the Road Development Corporation (RDC) site by Raajje TV revealed that the local council has allocated a one-hectare area to the corporation. This site is located in the vicinity of the football ground in the Kendhikulhu ward. Although the site was designated for the production of paving blocks required for road construction, all work currently remains at a standstill.
"We have received information that the project has come to a standstill once again due to a shortage of materials. There are only 15 curbstone molds on-site, meaning only 15 blocks can be cast per day. It is estimated that 9,000 blocks are required. Even if production continues without interruption at this rate, it would take two years just to complete the casting. With half the current term already over, one must consider the actual pace at which this project is progressing," the President of the Kendhikulhudhoo Council stated.
He noted that the establishment of the site by the Road Development Corporation (RDC) was an initiative of the previous administration. He further stated that 10 security officers are stationed at the location to oversee the paving stones stored there.
The project was initially contracted to the Road Development Corporation (RDC) in June 2023, during the MDP administration.
As part of the Kendhikulhudhoo road construction project, eight of the island's roads are set to be developed to modern standards. The project includes the installation of a drainage system across 3.7 kilometers of roadway, along with the construction of utility junctions.
Furthermore, the project scope includes asphalt paving, the construction of sidewalks, the installation of traffic signs and streetlights, and the placement of speed breakers. The City Council has expressed significant concern over the continued suspension of the project, which was originally awarded for 90.8 million Rufiyaa.
