Addu City residents protest over deteriorating linkroad, demand urgent action

Citizens of Addu City have staged a protest demanding that road construction work on the Addu Linkroad be started as quickly as possible, citing large potholes and significant travel difficulties. The work to develop the linkroads connecting the islands of Addu was previously entrusted to RDC, but due to delays, the government has since handed the project to Rotim Engineering and Technology from China. However, as practical work is being delayed, young people in Addu are leading the protest out of growing concern. Protest participants said the large potholes are causing severe knee and hip pain while driving and damaging expensive vehicles. With an approximate population of 30,000 in Addu, which relies on this road for its economy, it is currently impossible to drive faster than 20 kilometers per hour, and residents are facing major difficulties in getting to work and duties on time. The Addu Linkroad is the main highway connecting Hithadhoo, Maafaru, Maafaru Feedoo, and Feedoo via land roads. The road was entrusted to the Chinese company for modernization to be completed within one year. However, due to the deteriorating condition of the road, citizens are expressing concern.