Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Dr Abdulla Muththalib has said that the Government is expected to complete the causeway connecting Laamu Hithadhoo, Kunahandhoo, and Mendhoo by 2028.

Responding to questions from members of Parliament, Minister Dr Muththalib said the project was initially signed on 22 January 2023, with materials transported to the islands by Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) later that year.

He said survey and land assessment works had begun at the time, but the process was not carried out properly. Following further survey work and design revisions, the project was relaunched by the Government on 20 October last year.

The MVR 81 million project is expected to be completed within 500 days, with works including the construction of a 390-metre revetment, two 157.5-metre bridges, and a 714-metre road.

The minister said bulk casting of elblocks required for the bridge works is currently underway, adding that the Government aims to complete the project and open the road for public use by mid-2028.

During the parliamentary discussion, MP Ahmed Shakir questioned whether delays were caused by shortages of materials or funding constraints.

In response, Minister Dr Muththalib said the Government inherited projects worth around MVR 40 billion that had stalled under the previous administration. He said the current Administration is prioritising the completion of ongoing projects while fulfilling its commitments to the public.

The minister reiterated that both projects initiated by the previous administration and those started by the current Government will be completed.