President Muizzu announces the physical works for first major project to modernize and develop Malé roads will commence by early 2027
The President announced that the China-aided redevelopment of Malé City's roads will include the installation of modern drainage and firefighting systems. Additionally, a section of Boduthakurufaanu Magu is scheduled to reopen next week with designated parking zones to alleviate traffic. While noting that these projects will provide temporary relief to the capital's congestion, the President emphasized that the only permanent solution lies in the decentralized development of the Maldives.
Muizzu to feature in the fourth episode of "The Pulse" podcast series. | Presidents Office
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the physical work for the first major project to modernize and develop the streets of Malé is expected to commence early next year at the latest. The President made these remarks during the fourth episode of "The Pulse" podcast series.
The theme designated for this episode is the redevelopment of the streets of Malé.
President Muizzu noted that a large-scale project to fully develop Malé roads has not been undertaken since the administration of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. He further highlighted that the maintenance of these roads has been neglected in the years since. The President stated that upon the completion of the Malé road modernization project, conducted through Chinese government grant aid, the streets will feature integrated systems to resolve long-standing issues. These include a storm water drainage system, a dedicated dewatering network for construction purposes, and a fire hydrant system.
In the podcast, he also highlighted the ongoing efforts to modernize and develop Malé City's Boduthakurufaanu Magu, which is being carried out as a separate initiative. He stated that work on the second phase of the project—spanning the area from Izzudheen Jetty to Barcelona Nasandhura—is nearing completion, with preparations underway to reopen the road to the public next week. Providing further details, he noted that a dedicated parking zone with a capacity for 500 motorcycles has been established in the area. He further emphasized that the completion of this road development would benefit more than just its direct users. He pointed out that the traffic flow in the sections already completed and currently in use demonstrates that these improvements are also significantly easing congestion on the city's inner roads.
He stated that upon the completion of this phase, renovation work will commence on the segment of Boduthakurufaanu Magu stretching from MPL to Rasfannu. He noted that this particular section is where the pavement blocks are most severely damaged and broken. He further emphasized that once all phases are finalized, it will provide significant relief to the Male' market area, the commercial district, and motorists in general.
President Muizzu stated that the reclamation of the Malé lagoon for road widening would not cause any additional difficulties for harbor users. He explained that the extended section of the road is being developed with quay walls on three sides, which will actually increase the available docking space for vessels.
President Muizzu stated that while such projects provide temporary relief from congestion, a permanent solution to the overcrowding in the Malé region can only be achieved by addressing the root cause of the issue. In this regard, he highlighted that the government is working to decentralize services, opportunities, and housing to foster regional development. He further noted that through this long-term strategy, the issue of congestion in Malé would naturally be resolved.
President Muizzu stated that road development and housing projects are currently being implemented in the Greater Malé Area to provide immediate solutions for the region, which is home to approximately 40 percent of the country's population.
