RDC lacks the capacity to develop Addu Link Road and internal streets: MP Didi

The Member of Parliament for the Maradhoo constituency, Ahmed Didi, has stated that the practical work on developing the Link Road and other roads in Addu City has stalled due to a lack of capacity within the Maldives Road Development Corporation (RDC), the contractor tasked with the project.

Speaking on Raajje TV’s "Fala Surukhee" program, Didi stated that the issues surrounding the Addu City Link Road remain a significant concern for the public. He noted that while government ministers claim this project is a top national priority, there is a lack of visible progress on the ground to reflect those assertions.

Highlighting that this is a major project valued at 829 million Rufiyaa, Didi stated that when questioned about the pace of work, the government repeatedly claims that vehicles are being brought in. However, he alleged that the machinery currently transported to Addu does not even meet the standards a small-scale company would use for excavation, suggesting this is a direct result of a lack of technical "know-how" or expertise in road construction.

The Addu Link Road remains a notorious accident hotspot, causing significant damage to citizens' valuable vehicles and posing a constant threat to lives. The government’s decision to award its top-priority national project to a party lacking assets, capability, and capacity speaks volumes about the current administration's standards. I have received information that a few vehicles have recently been brought to Addu for the project, yet these are machines that even a minor company would deem unfit for digging a simple trench. It is evident that there is a complete lack of technical "know-how" when a project to develop 60 kilometers of road is handed over to a company without the necessary capacity. Including the other substandard roads in Addu City, this 829 million Rufiyaa project was awarded to RDC. Two years have now passed since it was entrusted to an incapable entity, and yet, no progress has been made.

Ahmed Didi, Member of Parliament for the Maradhoo constituency.

Didi further noted that although land has been allocated for residential use on the newly reclaimed areas of Feydhoo, Maradhoo, and Hithadhoo in Addu City for over three to four years, no progress has been made on establishing essential infrastructure, such as water and sewerage systems, electricity, or road construction.

Referring to the campaign pledges made by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, Didi stated that although the President had promised to expedite all projects from the first year and complete them within his five-year term, two and a half to three years have already been squandered. He further noted that, apart from clearing a few palm trees ahead of the elections, the current administration has failed to carry out any substantial work. Didi also expressed skepticism regarding the completion of the Addu City link road and other road development projects within President Muizzu's five-year tenure, stating that he does not believe these initiatives will be finalized.

The government awarded the Addu Link Road and urban street development project to the Road Development Corporation (RDC) on April 25 last year. The project, valued at over MVR 829 million from the state budget, was contracted with a completion timeline of three years and 11 months.