Male’ City Council takes new initiatives to improve road conditions in Male’ City
The council has begun with Izzuddeen Magu in Maafannu ward, aiming to remove and rearrange the paving stones after levelling the road.
The council has begun with Izzuddeen Magu in Maafannu ward, aiming to remove and rearrange the paving stones after levelling the road.
The recent severe weather conditions worldwide have starkly reminded us of our inadequate preparation for the adverse effects of climate change. Countries are facing extreme heat waves, flash flooding, and heavy downpours with increased intensity. Amid these challenges, the Maldives, during its usual monsoon season, faces significant concerns over flood-prone roads in Male’ City.
Male’ City frequently experiences flooded roads, whether during a heavy downpour or a regular rainy day. This flooding makes it nearly impossible to walk or safely drive on these roads. The city's roads often contrast sharply with the idyllic image travellers have of the Maldives. Heavy littering and narrow, pothole-ridden streets are common in the capital. These issues become particularly pronounced during the rainy season, as flooded roads turn unsafe and unsanitary, filled with litter and animal waste. Despite the danger, residents often have no choice but to navigate these treacherous roads, making the reality of a rainy day in Male’ City far from idyllic.
In response, the Male’ City Council has initiated a project to fix specific roads that are particularly prone to flooding during the monsoon season. The council has begun with Izzuddeen Magu in Maafannu ward, aiming to remove and rearrange the paving stones after levelling the road. This measure is intended to improve the road's drainage, which is currently slow and leads to frequent flooding.
Additionally, on May 9th, the Road Development Corporation (RDC), in collaboration with the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and the Infrastructure Ministry, launched a project to address the city’s flooding issues.
These efforts reflect a concerted attempt to improve the safety and cleanliness of Male’ City's roads, especially during the challenging monsoon season.