Oppose asphalt laying in islands with growing local tourism: President

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that he does not support asphalt laying or paving roads in islands with many guesthouses that are experiencing local tourism growth.

President Muizzu began his visit to Baa Atoll with Kamadhoo being the first island. As he was meeting with the public, he stated that it is important to maintain the natural beauty on islands that is observing growth in the local tourism sector.

He said that he does not support laying asphalt in every island and that he believes it is something that island residents would not wish for either.

"The roads must be developed in such a way that it does not diminish the natural beauty. We will move forward with what residents [of an island] want," said the President.

"It is not important to build roads with such hard surfaces such as asphalt laying or stone paving, nor is it such a good idea especially at islands experiencing local tourism growth."

The President said that they will build roads that benefit the island from an economic standpoint.

President Muizzu made the statement in response to concerns raised by island residents on social media after road construction projects were announced. Locals from Baa atoll Kudarikilu, a small island, said they opposed asphalt or stone paving, stating that it was unnecessary.