Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade Mohamed Saeed has defended the Government's road expansion programme, saying road widening projects are needed to improve transport and ease difficulties faced by the public will continue despite concerns raised over the redevelopment of Boduthakurufaanu Magu in Malé.

Speaking in Parliament, minister Saeed said the Government remains committed to expanding roads where necessary to improve accessibility, adding that wider roads benefit motorists, pedestrians and businesses alike. He said the projects are intended to address long-standing transport challenges and improve the movement of people and goods.

The remarks came after North Galolhu Member of Parliamnt Mohamed Ibrahim questioned the rationale behind widening roads in a country that relies heavily on sea transport. The MP also raised concerns over complaints from boat operators using Malé's northern harbour, who said the Boduthakurufaanu Magu expansion had made access more difficult and could negatively affect harbour operations.

As part of the Government's road improvement programme, redevelopment of Boduthakurufaanu Magu is continuing in phases. The section between the Local Market and the Izzuddin Jetty was completed before Ramadan, while work on the remaining sections is progressing.

Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) stated that sheet pile installation under the project's first phase has now been completed. Construction of the Aggregate Base Course (ABC) is underway following completion of sub-base works on Segments 4 and 5, with asphalt paving scheduled to begin on 7 July.