Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr Abdulla Muththalib says the government is exploring options to accelerate the Addu Link Road project, including assigning the work to another party instead of the current contractor, Road Development Corporation (RDC).

Speaking in Parliament, the minister said the project was originally awarded to RDC to reduce costs and that the company had procured machinery and begun site clearance.

However, he noted that Addu residents want the road paved and completed as soon as possible. He said the government is considering reallocating some of RDC's other projects to allow the company, or another contractor, to expedite the Link Road works.

Minister Muththalib also criticised the previous administration for excluding the Link Road from the major road development project carried out in Addu, saying those responsible should be held accountable. He questioned why the project had been omitted despite the poor condition of the road.