Road upgrade works have officially commenced in Haa Alifu Filladhoo to improve transport infrastructure and enhance living conditions for island residents.

The Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure said the project was contracted to Road Development Corporation (RDC) on 10 August 2025 and is being implemented with a budget of MVR 77.1 million. The project is scheduled to be completed within two years.

The commencement of works was marked at a special ceremony held in Filladhoo, inaugurated by Kelaa constituency MP Abdulla Shareef. The event was attended by RDC Managing Director Ibrahim Nazeem and Filladhoo Island Council President Fathuhulla Hassan.

Under the project scope, asphalt surfacing, drainage systems and street lighting will be installed on major roads in Filladhoo. The upgrades are intended to improve road safety, address long-standing flooding issues during the rainy season and support the island’s socio-economic development.

Filladhoo Island Council President Fathuhulla Hassan said the start of the road development project highlights an important step in the island’s development, expressing hope that the installation of drainage systems will provide a long-term solution to road flooding during periods of heavy rain.

RDC has also been contracted to carry out road development works in Kulhudhuffushi City as well as road upgrade projects in 11 islands across seven atolls.

The Government said road development methods will be determined based on island-specific needs and conditions, noting that not all islands will be developed with asphalt roads. In some islands, councils have proposed the provision of vehicles and equipment to support road maintenance and flood mitigation, with the Government assuring support for such requests to address community needs.