Videos circulating on social media claiming that the newly developed section of Boduthakurufaanu Magu flooded due to construction defects are misleading, as the incident occurred while the project’s permanent drainage pumping system was still awaiting commissioning.
Heavy rainfall on Thursday caused temporary flooding along parts of the newly developed road. The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Fire and Rescue Service responded by deploying portable pumps to remove the accumulated water.
According to the project’s implementation schedule, MTCC’s permanent drainage pump station is expected to be commissioned by Thursday night, or by Friday morning at the latest. At the time of the flooding, the system had not yet been activated.
MTCC had previously informed the public that work on the project would continue after the road was opened. In a statement issued on 23 July, the company announced the opening of the newly developed four-lane section from the Henveiru Ferry Terminal to Izzuddin Jetty ahead of Independence Day, while noting that final construction works would continue. These included the installation of railings on quay wall staircases and other finishing works.
An engineering expert who worked closely on the project told The Standard that the temporary flooding was not caused by road deformation, structural damage, or a design flaw. According to the expert, water accumulated because the permanent drainage pumping system had not yet been commissioned during the heavy rainfall.
MTCC has continued construction on the Boduthakurufaanu Magu redevelopment project since work began. The project has upgraded one of Malé City’s busiest roads with a four-lane carriageway, enhanced drainage and utility infrastructure, dedicated parking, landscaped green spaces, and improved pedestrian facilities.
The available information indicates that the flooding occurred before the permanent drainage system became operational, contradicting claims circulating online that the incident was the result of defects in the road’s design or construction.
