Concerns Raised Over Road Construction Project in Villimale’

Two CSOs in Villimale’, Villijoali and Save the Beach Maldives, have expressed their concern regarding potential compromises to the eco-friendly island concept in the wake of an ongoing road construction project.

In a joint statement, the associations highlighted that Villimale’ had been meticulously developed with a focus on environmental sustainability and efficient traffic management. They underscored the unique approach of integrating existing trees into the structural development of the island rather than resorting to the removal of the greenery.

The statement emphasised the importance of constructing roads that not only fulfill transportation needs but also contribute to the well-being of residents by providing shelter, a pleasant environment, and overall happiness to road users.

The Road Development Corporation (RDC) was recently tasked with conducting surveys and Infrastructure Assessments (IAs) for the roads in Villimale’. However, concerns were raised regarding the need for additional repairs, including pavement construction, road leveling, and the restoration of drainage grates.

The associations pointed out the resilience of Villimale’ during heavy rains earlier in the year, contrasting it with flooding issues in the roads of Male’ and Hulhumale’. The statement suggested that lessons from the experiences in Male’ should be considered when implementing a road construction project in Villimale’.

The joint statement also echoed the sentiment that if each island exceeds its capacity, the challenges faced by Male’ could replicate in each island, emphasising the need for careful planning and consideration of each island’s unique characteristics.

Highlighting the historical commitment of successive governments to maintain the original “eco-friendly island” concept in Villimale’, the associations stressed the significance of wide public participation and ample time for collecting diverse perspectives during the planning and implementation of development projects.

The Ministry of Infrastructure previously clarified that the RDC’s assigned work aims to assess the condition of roads in Male’ city and determine the cost of road construction. The contract for this undertaking is valued at MVR 1.79 million.