Survey work has begun in Male' and Vilimale' for a major road redevelopment project to be funded through a grant from the Chinese government.

The surveys mark the first stage of preparations for a project that aims to modernize roads across Male' area under China's grant assistance programme.

In a post on X on Tuesday, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development said studies and surveys required to prepare technical drawings for the project are now underway.

According to the ministry, the work will include site inspections, surveys and consultation meetings with relevant institutions. The exercise is scheduled to continue until 4 July.

China has pledged to finance the reconstruction of roads throughout Male' under a grant assistance package. The Letter of Exchange (LOE) for the project was signed between the Maldives and China in October last year.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu previously said the road redevelopment programme would be the top priority under the USD 130 million grant assistance package announced following his state visit to China in 2023.

The government has said the project is intended to provide a long-term solution to flooding in the Greater Male' area while transforming existing streets into modern roads designed to improve safety and accessibility for both pedestrians and motorists.