Footage shows the newly laid asphalt on Ameenee Magu being ripped up once again
21 ސެޕްޓެމްބަރު 2026 | ހޯމަ 19:16MTCC has begun stripping the recently laid asphalt on Ameenee Magu for repairs after the surface, which was hastily paved by the current administration, sustained significant damage.
Work is underway to remove the recently laid asphalt layer. | Raajje MV
Authorities have begun stripping away newly laid asphalt on Ameenee Magu, just as repair work was underway to fix significant swelling and potholes that had surfaced on sections of the recently modernized road.
A viral video shows workers removing a recently laid layer of asphalt. However, the reason for the removal of the asphalt remains unclear.
The government of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu is facing widespread public criticism after asphalt laid under its much-touted "Muizzu Speed" initiative deteriorated within a short period, necessitating urgent repairs. The section currently undergoing maintenance is the same area where asphalt was hastily laid during that initial phase.
After the current administration completed the asphalt paving of an area left unfinished by the MDP government, they released promotional videos to claim credit for the work. However, now that the newly paved surface has deteriorated, the government has shifted the blame onto the previous administration.
The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) was awarded the project to reconstruct the damaged section of the road stretching from the Voice of Maldives building to Dharumavantha Hospital last June. The work involves completely removing the deteriorated asphalt layer and repaving the surface. The area was subsequently closed to traffic in late June to allow the road maintenance work to proceed.
Although asphalt laying was originally scheduled for last week, the project faced delays due to severe weather conditions and heavy rainfall in Malé. Following this disruption, MTCC resumed paving operations in the area on September 19.
The redevelopment of Ameenee Magu is being carried out by laying two layers of asphalt. Following the completion of the initial layer in the first segment of the project, work began on Monday to lay the second and final layer.
The redevelopment of Ameenee Magu to modern standards was a project initiated by the previous MDP administration, contracted to the Road Development Corporation (RDC) at a cost of MVR 84.4 million. However, by the end of the government's term, only 90 percent of the road's asphalt paving had been completed. This work reached as far as the area where the former Ministry of Housing was located.
