RDC Deploys Heavy Machinery to Alifu Alifu Atoll for Island Road Projects

The Road Development Corporation (RDC) has begun transporting the first batch of heavy machinery to Alifu Alifu Atoll to accelerate road construction projects under the Public Sector Investment Program (PSIP). The equipment is scheduled for dispatch on August 8, marking a critical step in the government's effort to upgrade infrastructure across numerous inhabited islands. In this initial phase, excavators, forklifts, and lorries are being deployed to Thoddoo, Himandhoo, Maalhos, and Rasdhoo. The arrival of these vehicles will allow RDC to launch construction work on these islands immediately, removing previous bottlenecks that had delayed project starts. Addressing the operational challenges, RDC Managing Director Ibrahim Nazeem told PSM News that a shortage of adequate machinery had previously been the company's primary hurdle. To resolve this, the state secured funding and established a strategic partnership with a Chinese firm to procure a comprehensive fleet of construction equipment. This initiative is part of a wider national rollout. Nazeem announced that additional shipments are expected to reach 55 islands over the next two weeks. The corporation has already dispatched machinery to support PSIP initiatives in Madifushi, Guraidhoo in Thaa Atoll, Meedhoo in Dhaalu Atoll, and Addu City. To date, RDC has imported more than 200 vehicles and various pieces of construction hardware through its Chinese partnership. Beyond the equipment, the collaboration includes specialized technical training for RDC staff, ensuring that operators can manage the new machinery safely and efficiently to meet project deadlines. The expansion of the fleet is intended to streamline the delivery of essential infrastructure, improving connectivity and accessibility for residents across the archipelago.