Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure revealed on Monday that the Maldivian government will take over the reigns of the newly unveiled Sinamale Bridge, which links capital Male and airport island Hulhule, after two years.
While speaking on a special broadcast by state-run Public Service Media (PSM) dedicated to bringing updates related to the bridge, deputy housing minister Abdulla Ziyaad said that the Maldivian government has not taken over the bridge officially yet.
Ziyaad revealed that for the next two years, the bridge will be maintained by the project's contractor, China's CCCC Second Harbour Engineering.
"Even though the bridge is opened, they (the engineers) will stay back for about two years to maintain the bridge. So there is no room for concern that the bridge might sustain any damages just yet," said Ziyaad.
He added that "... until then, they will look after the bridge. All the maintenance works will be done under their supervision."
As per Ziyaad, fees for crossing the bridge has not been finalized yet, and thus when the bridge opens for public use on September 7, citizens can commute for free. The toll amounts will be finalized and announced on September 23, the day of elections.
The Chinese government had provided USD 126 million as aid, while the Maldivian government spent USD 12.6 million from the state budget for the construction of this bridge that represents the friendship between two countries.
The Sinamale Bridge, connecting Male to Hulhule, is one of President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom's main presidential pledges and was officially inaugurated on August 30.
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