Addu Bridge Project: funding being sought

Minister of Construction and Infrastructure Dr Abdulla Muththalib has said that at present work is being done to seek funding for the Addu Bridge project, which will see Hithadhoo and Meedhoo being connected through the longest bridge in Maldives.

The Minister stated this in response to a question posed in parliament today by Central Hithadhoo MP Ahmed Azaan, who asked about the progress of the bridge, adding that opposition were alleging it had come to a halt.

The Minister said that the Addu Bridge Project is given maximum priority by the government.

The 13-15 km bridge project was contracted to Egypt's The Arab Contractors - Osman Ahmed Osman & Co in February.

Muththalib said that the contractor is currently working on obtaining funding, and that the government is reviewing and evaluating financing proposals submitted by the company.

"As per the agreement, funding has to be arranged by that company. However, the government will take loans and do that," Muththalib said.

He asserted that the work would not be contracted to another party before necessary funding is obtained, and assured that the work will proceed at speed once the funding is confirmed.

"At present, we are working on evaluating and discussing the financing proposals submitted by them and seeing if it is acceptable for the government," Muththalib said.

The company undertaking the preliminary design and survey of the bridge has completed the necessary surveys.

This year's budget has an allocation of MVR 30 million for this survey of the Hithadhoo-Hulhumeedhoo bridge.

Building this bridge in Addu is among the presidential pledges of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. The contract for the bridge was signed during the President's first visit to Addu since assuming office, in a meeting held with the people of Hulhudhoo.

Maldives signs largest bridge project connecting Hithadhoo-Hulhumeedhoo

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