The southern coast of capital city Male’ has been closed-off for cargo boats as part of the development of Boduthakurufaanu road.

In a press release, the housing ministry said major changes need to be brought to the harbor in order to develop the road and therefore cargo boats have been banned from using the harbor area between Villa College and the police tow yard.

Boats that violate the ban will be towed, the ministry said.

The government has announced the expansion of the road between the MTCC ferry terminal and the industrial village.

As part of the project, authorities have been cutting down trees along the road after vowing to plant 450 more trees after the completion of the project.

Boduthakurufaanu road development began due to concerns that the opening of the bridge connecting Hulhumale’ to Male’ would increase traffic in the capital.

Housing minister Dr Mohamed Muizzu said that the road leading to the bridge will be expanded to 16 meters wide with four lanes.