SOE committee to investigate dismissal of MRDC workers

The 19th Parliament Committee on State-Owned Enterprises has determined to launch a probe into the reports of unfair dismissal of Maldives Road Development Corporation (MRDC)’s contract workers.

The committee's chair and MP for Hulhudhoo constituency, Ilyas Labeeb, stated that a petition for revisions to salary has been presented to the parliament due to discrepancies in remuneration arranged for the MRDC workers joining the civil service. The petition was signed by a large number of former employees of the public works division.

Ilyas stated that the committee will take further action after clarifying the issue with the newly established state-run Road Development Corporation (RDC) and the Ministry of National Planning and Infrastructure.

Specifically, the committee determined to clarify employee guidelines followed by the RDC and request for advice on the recommended course of action from the Ministry of National Planning and Infrastructure.

MRDC was founded during former president Mohamed Nasheeds' administration. The previous government dissolved MRDC due to management issues caused by the major problem of corruption in the corporation. Former President Yameen's government had also used MRDC to conduct its own political activities. The corporation has also seen the most changes in Managing Directors appointed to the position in a short period of time.

After MRDC’s dissolution, the Ministry of National Planning and Infrastructure had taken in 300 Maldivian workers and 400 expatriates.

The Road Development Corporation (RDC) was established on 9th June 2019 by the current administration as a replacement.