Construction work on a major road development project in Male' funded through Chinese assistance will begin early next year, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu said today.

Speaking on the President’s Office podcast The Pulse, President Muizzu said the grant-funded project from the Chinese government will include modern road infrastructure, stormwater drainage systems, building dewatering systems and fire hydrant networks.

The assistance will also cover the modernization of roads in Vilimale'.

“The practical work of fulfilling one of the biggest promises I made to the people of Male' is starting. Both works will be completed together, god willing,” he said.

“A solution is coming to a long-standing problem. It is not just about getting easy to use and pleasant roads.”

President Muizzu said a major road development project was carried out during the administration of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, but the roads have not received proper maintenance since then.

The project, which is scheduled to begin next year, will not include Boduthakurufaanu Magu.

The government has completed the first phase of the Boduthakurufaanu Magu redevelopment project and has started the second phase. The first phase involved widening the road from the North Harbour area to the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) area.

President Muizzu said the second phase, covering the area from the Presidential Jetty to Barceló Nasandhura, will be completed and opened next week.

He said the development will benefit not only road users but also ease use of surrounding internal roads.

A parking area for 500 motorcycles will also be designated in the area, which has a high concentration of offices, before the third phase of the Boduthakurufaanu Magu project begins.

The third phase will cover the area from Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) to Rasfannu.

President Muizzu said this is one of the most damaged sections of the road and completing the project will ease difficulties faced by people using the market, commercial areas and surrounding roads.

Boduthakurufaanu Magu, which was widened through reclaiming part of the lagoon, will also be developed with quay walls on three sides, he said.

The president said such projects would help reduce congestion, but a permanent solution would require decentralization of services, economic opportunities and housing.

He said road development and housing projects are already being carried out in the Male' area to address challenges in a city where around 40 percent of the population lives.