Housing Minister Dr Abdulla Muththalib has said the widening of Boduthakurufaanu Magu will not create difficulties for vessels using the adjacent canal.
Responding to questions in Parliament, Minister Muththalib said the project would significantly improve traffic flow in Male' while maintaining access for vessels.
Galolhu North MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu) questioned whether reclaiming part of the lagoon to widen the road would make it more difficult for vessels to navigate the area.
The Minister rejected those concerns, saying the project had been designed to preserve marine access.
"The quay wall will be longer than before, and the reclaimed area has been designed to allow vessels to berth around it," he said.
"Speedboats will be able to access all three sides, so it will not cause inconvenience to people entering and leaving the area. This is not an area used by large cargo vessels or fishing boats."
Minister Muththalib said he was surprised that an MP representing Male' constituency would oppose a project intended to ease congestion in the capital.
He argued that the narrowing of the lagoon would not negatively affect boat users and that the wider road would instead provide significant benefits to residents.
MP Mohamed however remained unconvinced, saying he did not believe the project would solve Male's traffic congestion.
In response, Minister Muththalib asked the MP to visit the area during peak hours to assess the impact of the road widening, adding that the project would only be considered successful if it delivered the expected improvements.
Construction work on Boduthakurufaanu Magu is continuing, with asphalt paving already completed on the section between Henveiru Ferry Terminal and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. According to the Housing Ministry, paving of the remaining stretch to the Presidential Jetty is expected to begin by the end of next week.
The redevelopment project began on March 23 after the road between Henveiru Ferry Terminal and the Presidential Jetty was closed to traffic.
Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has said the road is scheduled to reopen by July 26.
The MVR 144 million project includes widening and upgrading the road from North Harbour to Republic Square. The road, which serves several government ministries and offices, had been affected by severe deterioration, potholes and limited parking before the redevelopment began.
