Pres: Not necessarily important to use asphalt and bricks in road development of islands

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, on Monday, stated that it is not necessarily important to use asphalt or bricks in the development of roads on islands, emphasizing his belief that preserving the islands’ natural beauty is far more important.

He made the remark while speaking at B. Kamadhoo as part of his ongoing tour of Baa Atoll.

Referring to the island’s road development, President Muizzu said he does not support using asphalt or bricks in the development of roads on islands as it takes away the natural beauty of the islands.

“..I do not believe it to be necessary important to develop the roads with a hard surface such as asphalt or bricks. It is not something good either,” he said.

He particularly stressed that it was not the best course of action in islands where tourism is developing, adding road development should be undertaken in a manner that best preserves the natural beauty of the island.

The President assured that the road development project at Kamadhoo will incorporate residents’ feedback.

President Muizzu affirmed that his administration will allocate special priority for the economic development of Kamadhoo, pledging to end exclusionary policies towards the islands in the past.

Development of roads up to modern standards on most islands has been carried out using asphalt, covering both minor and major roads. Large trees have been cut down for such projects on previous occasions, sparking public anger.

Notably, President Muizzu’s remarks come after Road Development Corporation (RDC) was contracted to develop the roads in 12 islands up to modern standards on Thursday.