The government will not force asphalt roads on islands, the Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Dr Abdulla Muththalib has said, insisting that residents have a say in shaping developmental needs.
Speaking to PSM News in the sidelines of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s four-day tour of inhabited islands in Baa Atoll, Minister Dr Muththalib pointed out that the President, during each visit to the islands has continued to assure the people that the government will reshape developmental projects to align with their wishes and sentiments.
The Minister said though the government had received requests from some islands for vehicles and equipment to combat flooding, the lack of official communication from the respective island councils had given the impression that the people wanted the government to use asphalt in road development.
However, Minister Dr Muththalib revealed three different island councils have officially communicated the desire to leave the natural sand roads intact and have instead asked for road maintenance vehicles and equipment.
"If the people want to do it in a way that is cost effective and economically and socially conducive to the islands, we can do the technical work to solve the flooding problem and provide the necessary equipment to maintain the roads. It will be really cost effective and will help islands preserve their natural beauty,” he explained.
The Minister reiterated that the government would not force the development of roads in islands by using asphalt, insisting that it will heed the wishes of the people in a way that will benefit them economically and socially.