RDC MD: Ameenee magu will have nice, big trees by project end

The Managing Director of Road Development Corperation (RDC) Moosa Ali Manik (Mookey) has said that by the end of the project to redevelop Ameenee Magu in Male’ City, there will be ‘nice, big and safe’ trees on the road.

In a move to stop the cutting of trees from Ameenee Magu, a motion has been filed at the Parliament, and the issue has been taken to the Civil Court as well.

RDC – the company in charge of the project has previously stated that the redevelopment of the road with asphalt cannot go on unless the larger trees are removed.

“There will be big, shady trees on that road. But it will be more organized than now, accessible to wheelchairs and without disturbing those driving on the road. Also, we will plant the trees in a manner that the roots will not disturb the nearby houses and the current network being installed right now,” said Mookey while speaking to Sun about the situation.

He went on to state that after a year from the completion of the project, the company will be taking care of the road and the plants.

Additionally, he noted that apart from the trees planted to make Ameenee Magu greener, they will be planting flowering plants in large pots and placing them on the road as well.

“Moreover, we are not getting rid of the plants that are being removed. Taking them to regrow. So because of Ameenee Magu the environment is being benefitted.”

Furthermore, he noted that it was not only RDC that is involved in the project but advice from all the relevant authorities was followed in the process. He added that the authorities, including Environment Protection Agency (EPA), was keeping a close watch on the project.

Noting that they have been getting complaints from people over cutting trees, Mookey said that prior to starting the project, they attained advice from hundreds. He added that if there are any issues, the associations would bring them up.

“As far as I can remember there has not been any other project that gathered so much public consultancy.”

Mookey also highlighted that the project’s concept and design were given the go-ahead from the Planning Ministry and all the necessary permits from all the authorities.

Responding to those criticising the project, he said that constructive criticism was always welcome, but there is no one who can to a better job of the project stated by RDC.

In addition to this, Mookey claimed that there was political agenda behind the Speaker of the Parliament and former President Mohamed Nasheed’s decision to take legal action against the cutting of trees in Ameenee Magu.

“Ameenee Magu is the current political topic taken up by President Nasheed.”

Prior to commencing work, RDC had said that they will be working on the project in an environmentally friendly manner, without harming any trees. 

Ameenee Magu is one of the roads in Male’ with the most trees, some of the trees over 20 years old.

The project to redevelop Ameenee Magu was handed over to RDC in July, to be completed within 210 days. It is valued at MVR 84 million.