Addu land reclamation, Hankede Bridge complete, handed over

The land reclamation and coastal protection project in Addu City, funded under the Exim Bank of India's Line of Credit, has been completed and handed over to the Maldivian government.

AFCONS, the company responsible for constructing the Thilamale' Bridge, was awarded the contract on February 21, 2021, while the Addu City land reclamation and coastal protection project was awarded to Van Oord India Private Limited on March 27, 2022.

These projects were officially handed over to the Maldives government today by India's Minister of External Affairs, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, who is currently in Addu City as part of his official visit to the Maldives.

During the ceremony at Addu High School in Hithadhoo, a video presentation highlighted the project's scope, including the addition of 190 hectares of land to Addu City. This includes 80 hectares added to Hithadhoo, 76 hectares to Maradhoo and Maradhoo-Feydhoo, and 4 hectares to Hankede.

The ceremony also saw the inauguration of the Hankede Bridge, which connects Gaukedi and Maradhoo. With the reclamation of the Hithadhoo Zone 2 area, Hithadhoo now boasts the largest artificial beach in the Maldives.

Additionally, three islands, totaling 8.3 hectares, were reclaimed in the lagoon as part of efforts to expand tourism in Addu City. Revetment work was also completed along the Hithadhoo, Maradhoo-Feydhoo and Link Road area to protect the island.

These two projects, valued at USD 80 million (MVR 1.2 billion), were financed under the Indian Exim Bank's Line of Credit Facility.

Minister of Construction and Infrastructure, Dr Abdulla Muththalib, emphasized that coastal protection is a significant component of the strategic vision for Addu City's development.

He also noted that the Hankede Bridge is a significant project in the efforts to boost tourism in Hankede. Minister Muththalib further highlighted that the ongoing road construction project in Addu City, which is nearing completion, will address long-standing flooding issues in the islands.

He expressed confidence that the collaborative efforts between the Maldivian government and India will elevate Addu City's development to new heights.

During his visit to Addu City, the final stop of his three-day trip, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar reaffirmed the strong partnership between the two countries, describing the Maldives as a "key partner" of India.

He highlighted India's commitment to supporting the Maldives through various projects, noting that India has implemented projects worth USD 220 million in Addu City over the past two to three years. This reflects India's prioritization of Maldives regional development, he said.

Indian EAM Jaishankar noted that 65 projects are currently being implemented in the Maldives under Indian assistance, 12 of which are in Addu City. He expressed satisfaction with the completion of five of these projects and their successful implementation.

This marks Jaishankar’s fourth official visit to the Maldives, and the first for a senior official of the Indian government to visit the island nation in an official capacity since President Dr Mohamed Muizzu assumed office.

Previously, he had attended the inauguration of the National College of Policing and Law Enforcement Studies in the Maldives, a project valued at USD 30 million.

Indian EAM Jaishankar is scheduled to depart for India later today via Addu City.