The Road Development Corporation (RDC) has embarked on a comprehensive restructuring initiative aimed at eliminating corruption and enhancing organizational integrity, according to Managing Director Ali Zuhair. In an interview with state media, Zuhair outlined the measures being implemented to establish a robust checks and balances system within the company.
The restructuring includes the introduction of a corporate governance mechanism and significant changes to the organizational structure. To address corruption at its roots, particularly in procurement processes, RDC plans to assign three to four responsible parties for every material purchase, ensuring accountability at various stages of project implementation. “From day one, we have been working to make this an honest company,” Zuhair stated, emphasizing the commitment to transparency.
Public concerns regarding the quality of some RDC projects, inherited when the current government took over, have prompted the establishment of a dedicated team to oversee quality assurance under the new structure. Zuhair highlighted that these measures are designed to restore public confidence in the company’s operations.
RDC has faced significant challenges in recent years, including corruption allegations during the previous Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) government. When the current administration assumed control, RDC was burdened with a debt of MVR 837 million owed to various parties. The government has since made substantial progress in repaying these debts. Additionally, a notable case surfaced involving the unauthorized transfer of MVR 161 million to various accounts without documentation—comprising MVR 66 million in 2022 and MVR 95 million in 2023. Employees suspected of involvement in these corrupt practices have been transferred to other departments, with RDC previously stating that appropriate action would be taken against them.
The restructuring efforts reflect RDC’s determination to address past allegations, strengthen its procurement and quality assurance systems, and operate as a transparent and accountable state-owned entity. These changes are expected to pave the way for improved infrastructure development across the Maldives.