Construction Minister fails to provide start date for Male' street redevelopment project, despite Muizzu’s earlier pledge that it would commence early last year

Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Dr. Abdulla Muththalib has failed to provide a specific start date for the major Male' road redevelopment project, which President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu had previously stated would begin early last year. The Minister attributed the delay to complications surrounding the foreign grant aid intended to fund the initiative.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced during the 2024 Republic Day ceremony that the massive project to redevelop Male' roads will commence in 2025. This marks the second timeline provided by President Muizzu for the modernization of the capital's streets. He had previously stated that the project would begin within the year 2024.

Responding to an inquiry from Member of Parliament for North Galolhu, Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu), Minister Muththalib clarified that projects funded through grants, loans, and the state budget are governed by distinct procedures. He explained that projects financed by grants from China, or any other nation, are executed in accordance with the specific regulations and frameworks established by the donor country. The Minister further noted that these initiatives were officially announced during the President’s state visit to China. He emphasized that the Male' street redevelopment project has been progressing since its inception in alignment with the established protocols governing Chinese grant assistance.

As you are aware, previous Chinese-aided projects have typically followed a structured progression: completing the feasibility study, followed by the survey and design phase, before moving into construction. At each stage, China conducts its own tendering and procurement processes to select specific contractors. Once a stage is completed, a formal agreement is signed to transition to the next phase. The ongoing road development project is proceeding according to this established protocol. The project has currently reached the stage where the feasibility study is complete, and the tender process to select a team for the survey and design phase has been finalized. This team is scheduled to arrive in the Maldives this May to begin their work. Once the survey and design are finalized, China will initiate the tender process to select a construction contractor. Physical works will commence as soon as that contractor is appointed. Consequently, the project remains on track to be completed within the timeline announced by the President.

Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, Abdulla Muththalib

The Minister stated that this process is not exclusive to Chinese grant aid. He noted that projects funded by other nations follow a similar trajectory, citing the upcoming renovation of Male's eastern seawall under Japanese grant assistance. He highlighted that work on this particular project has been in development since the latter stages of President Yameen's administration.

The Minister stated that the government is working to commence the redevelopment of Male' city roads as quickly as possible and without delay. He further noted that the project is proceeding according to the established schedule.