President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that practical work on the long-awaited redevelopment of roads in Malé and Vilimalé is expected to begin later this year, with the project set to deliver modern, long-term solutions to the capital's road network.

Speaking in the fourth episode of the President’s Office podcast The Pulse, the President said upgrading Malé's roads was one of his key presidential pledges. He noted that the project, funded through a grant from the Chinese government, had taken time due to lengthy administrative procedures but has now reached its final preparatory stage.

The President said construction is expected to commence before the end of the year, with work beginning simultaneously on many of the capital's main roads before expanding to all roads in Malé and Vilimalé.

He described the project as the largest road development initiative in Malé's history, adding that it will go beyond resurfacing roads. The redevelopment will include a modern stormwater drainage network, dewatering systems for new buildings, fire water infrastructure beneath roads, improved road layouts, pedestrian-friendly streets and measures to address parking shortages.

The President said the project is designed to provide a durable, high-quality road network capable of resolving the longstanding challenges faced by road users in the Greater Malé area.