Izzuddeen Jetty will be completed in a month: Minister Muththalib

The Malé Izzuddeen Jetty, which is undergoing renovations, is expected to be completed within a month's time, said Construction Minister Abdulla Muthhalib.

The previous government awarded the contract to MTCC to renovate the Izzuddeen Jetty and remodel the whole structure. The work, which was awarded on a design and build basis for MVR 11.7 million, started in early May this year. Although the old jetty was demolished for the project, the construction of the new jetty was pushed back due to delays in receiving the materials required for the construction, MTCC said at the time.

However, the overhead structure of the bridge is now complete and the roof is in the process of being installed.

The minister visited the area to inspect the progress of the work and told the state media that the bridge was demolished because it was badly damaged that parts of it could fall and cause injury.

However, the work of the place is being carried out at a high speed as it is noticeable to people who come to the city and the beauty of the city is lost when the area is closed off, he said.

The minister said the jetty is expected to be completed and opened to the public within the next one month.

The Izzuddeen Jetty was renovated and reopened with a new design in July 2015 to mark the 50th anniversary of Maldives' independence. It was renovated twice since that, with the latest being in 2017.

Minister Mutthalib earlier said that the bridge was difficult to maintain due to its previous design. The steel there had rusted and was severely damaged due to poor maintenance over the past five years.

This time the renovation design is based on the original 1950 Izzuddeen Jetty design.