President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said preparations are under way to begin work on the Addu Link Road within the next two to three weeks, or within a month at the latest. The President described the Addu road project as a major concern for the people of Addu.
The Addu Link Road project concerns the long-standing issue of road conditions faced by residents of all the islands connected by the city. Since the road was completed in 2003, no significant work has been carried out to properly maintain it over the past 23 years. As a result, large potholes have developed in various sections of the Link Road, raising concerns among Addu residents about accidents and other road-safety issues.
To address the issue, the Government handed over the second phase of the Addu Link Road development project to the Road Development Corporation (RDC) on 25 April 2025.
In preparation for the project, RDC brought vehicles to Addu in May last year and cleared areas along the Link Road where trees needed to be relocated to facilitate the development of sections of the road into four lanes. However, work has yet to begin.
Speaking about the issue during a meeting with journalists, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu noted that the project had been significantly delayed. The President said that although efforts had been made to carry out the work through RDC, the company was in a very difficult financial position. He added that the Government was looking into alternative ways of carrying out the Addu road project.
“Proposals have already been submitted by foreign parties to carry out the work at a faster pace. That process is under way now. Within the next two or three weeks, or within a month, I will ensure that the unfinished work on the Addu road is completed,” the President said.
A total of three roads are planned to be developed under the project. This includes the construction of 67.58 kilometres of roads and the establishment of a drainage system. The project will also involve resurfacing roads previously developed using concrete paving blocks or cement, adding an additional layer to existing asphalt roads, and laying asphalt on roads where the existing surface has been removed.
The Addu Link Road is the Maldives’ first major road developed with asphalt to connect the islands. Following its development in 2003, no road maintenance work has been carried out on the Link Road.