Public Outcry Intensifies Over Deteriorating Road Conditions in Dh. Kudahuvadhoo: "This Isn't Vietnam; We Shouldn't Need Canoes to Travel When it Rains!"

Residents of Dhaalu Kudahuvadhoo have expressed deep concern over the suspension of the island's road construction project, noting that the current state of the roads is causing significant hardship.

In interviews with RaajjeTV’s "Haalu Kihineh?" program, numerous residents of Kudahuvadhoo have expressed their concerns over the suspension of the island's road construction project, highlighting the various difficulties they face due to the current dilapidated state of the streets.

An elderly resident has expressed deep concern over the stalled road construction project in Kudahuvadhoo, highlighting the significant difficulties caused by excavated sections and junction boxes protruding seven inches above the ground. The resident noted that the current state of the dug-up roads has made it increasingly difficult for pedestrians to navigate the streets safely.

Another resident of Kudahuvadhoo reported that during the rainy season, floodwaters frequently accumulate on the streets and seep into homes. He further noted that the persistent flooding causes significant damage to vehicles, such as motorcycles, which are often left submerged. He added that residents frequently face difficulties with motorcycles failing to start while navigating through the flooded areas.

When it rains here on this island, the paved areas on both sides become completely submerged. The entire area floods to the point where water enters our homes. We have to keep our canoe right outside the front door. I even have videos on my phone showing people loading their luggage into the canoe just to travel across; they are literally commuting by boat. This is a Maldivian island, not Vietnam, yet we are forced to travel by canoe.

A resident of Dhaalu Atoll Kudahuvadhoo

Furthermore, a resident of Kudahuvadhoo noted that several streets have become inaccessible to four-wheeled vehicles due to the elevated placement of junctions. They highlighted that this poses a significant risk as ambulances are also unable to enter these areas. Concerns were also raised regarding public safety, with residents pointing out that these protruding junctions cause injuries to pedestrians, particularly when the streets are flooded and the hazards are obscured.

The irony of the situation is that I still do not understand how this transpired. While people were constantly complaining about the excavations making the roads impassable, I overheard an argument between two individuals one day, where one claimed that the road where the MP resides had already been paved with asphalt. However, when I visited the site, it was not asphalt; they had merely filled the excavated area with gravel. It appeared that only the final layer of asphalt was missing, as the ABC base course had already been laid. Regardless of the specifics, I can confirm that the gravel has indeed been laid.

A resident of Dhaalu Atoll Kudahuvadhoo

The Kudahuvadhoo road construction project was initiated under President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s broader road redevelopment program, which commenced in December 2023. However, Kudahuvadhoo Council President Mohamed Saleem stated that work has stalled since March, following the initial excavation and sand removal required for laying the ABC (Aggregate Base Coarse) layer.