Road Development Corporation (RDC) has stated that the first island to undergo road development with a focus on preserving its natural beauty will be Dhigurah in Alif Dhaalu Atoll. A dedicated water drainage system will also be established on the island.
During President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s outreach visits, residents of several islands called for environmentally friendly road development, particularly in tourist areas. In response, a new road development concept has been formulated in line with these requests.
Speaking on a PSM News programme, RDC Managing Director Ibrahim Nazeem noted that a sand road development concept has now been approved by the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure.
Nazeem stated that RDC is promoting this concept to other islands based on public demand. Residents have proposed that one main road, accommodating official agencies, be paved, while the remaining roads be developed as sand roads. He assured that sand roads can also be modernised. Furthermore, RDC indicated that pavements will be constructed with grates and pipes for water drainage, resulting in more tranquil and functional roads.
He emphasised that the drainage system will require careful monitoring, with responsibility entrusted to island councils.
“We are ready to develop roads in Dhigurah. These roads will be designed to suit the environment without compromising the island’s natural beauty. As they are sand roads, drainage may carry some sand away. Therefore, water collection basins, junctions and similar areas must be properly maintained to prevent additional issues. Councils must pay close attention to these matters,” said RDC Managing Director Ibrahim Nazeem.
He added that, as this is a novel concept in the Maldives, RDC is making every effort to ensure its success, including the use of modern equipment to maintain the stability of the sand.
“The difference is that small cement stabilisers will be applied beneath the sand. As water drains away, the sand will remain neatly in place. While the sand will retain a slight firmness, it will not become excessively hard,” Nazeem explained.
RDC is currently undertaking road development initiatives across numerous islands, aimed at promoting economic growth and community development. The corporation is also expanding its capacity to deliver these projects within the stipulated timeframe.
For example, RDC has imported vehicles and equipment required for road development in collaboration with a Chinese company. A total of 230 heavy vehicles have been brought into the Maldives, and RDC is carrying out nationwide distribution this week.