RDC announces 150 new jobs as referendum nears and council elections approach

RDC Chairman Mohamed Shaamy Adam (R), Deputy Managing Director Mohamed Nabeeh Afeef (R2) and officials of the corporation on a visit to H.A.Ihavandhoo to observe ongoing projects, December 1, 2025. (Photo/RDC)

The Road Development Corporation (RDC) has announced the opening of 150 new positions across six islands, with applications for these roles closing this coming Tuesday. This recruitment drive, which focuses on various infrastructure project locations, occurs shortly before a constitutional referendum and ahead of impending local council elections. Critics and political analysts have noted that such surges in state-owned enterprise (SOE) hiring during election cycles mirror past practices, raising concerns that these initiatives may be strategically leveraged to influence electoral outcomes or distribute resources for partisan gain. This development adds to the existing scrutiny surrounding RDC and other loss-making state entities.

150 new positions created by the Road Development Corporation across six islands.
Recruitment is concentrated in Uligan, Rasdhoo, Kaashidhoo, Madifushi, Naifaru, and Hinnavaru.
Applications must be submitted electronically via the corporate email by Tuesday 4:00 pm.
Timing has raised concerns about political influence during a constitutional referendum and local elections.
Historical patterns of SOE hiring during election periods have been previously flagged by auditors.

Road Development Corporation (RDC), a state‑owned company previously flagged in corruption‑related audits, has announced 150 new job openings across six islands.

Applications must be submitted to [email protected] by 4:00 pm on Tuesday.

According to RDC’s announcements, the vacancies are for ongoing projects in:

HA. Uligan
AA. Rasdhoo
Lh. Naifaru
K. Kaashidhoo
Th. Madifushi
Lh. Hinnavaru (one position)

The largest recruitment drives are in Uligan and Rasdhoo, with 50 positions each. Kaashidhoo will hire 24, Madifushi 13, and Naifaru 12.

The timing of the recruitment has drawn attention, as it comes weeks before the constitutional referendum and ahead of the upcoming local council elections.

It has long been common for governments to expand hiring in major state‑owned enterprises during election periods. Independent reports in previous years have highlighted concerns that such recruitment drives can be used to influence political outcomes or distribute state resources for electoral advantage.

Among the companies most frequently cited are loss‑making Fenaka, as well as MACL, STELCO, and RDC.

By Azhaar Abdul Azeez

Writer