A Chinese company has been awarded a contract to construct a 15-storey building for accommodation and logistics at the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Kalhuthuhkalaa Koshi.

The agreement was signed at a ceremony held at Bandaara Koshi yesterday.

China's Rotime Engineering and Technology Corporation Limited was awarded the contract on a design and build basis. The company was also awarded the contract to reconstruct the Addu Link Road on September 24.

Deputy Defence Minister Fathimath Mizna Ali signed the agreement on behalf of the government, while Rotime Engineering Managing Director Chou Weidong signed on behalf of the company.

Chief of Defence Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmy, Vice Chief of Defence Force Brigadier General Ahmed Giyas, senior MNDF officers, Defence Ministry officials and representatives of Rotime Engineering attended the ceremony.

The Defence Ministry said the building would strengthen MNDF's operational capabilities and support its accommodation and logistical requirements.

Construction is expected to be completed within two years, the ministry said.