The contract for the largest bridge project in the Maldives to date, connecting Hithadhoo and Hulhumeedhoo, has been awarded to ''The Arab Contractors - Osman Ahmed Osman & Co.'' of Egypt.
The bridge, spanning 13-15 kilometers and set to link Hithadhoo and Hulhumeedhoo in Addu, surpasses the length of the first-ever bridge in the Maldives, the 1.3-kilometer-long Sinamale' bridge. Additionally, the ongoing construction of a 6.7-kilometer-long bridge connecting Male' city, Villimale', and Thilafushi further highlights the scale of this new project.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's commitment to the development of Addu City includes the construction of this bridge, a pledge initiated during his first visit to Addu after assuming office.
Acting on behalf of the government, Dr. Abdulla Muththalib, the Minister of Construction and Infrastructure, signed the deal for the initial design and survey tasks in collaboration with The Arab Contractors, whose representative was Engineer Heba Ahmed. The firm possesses substantial expertise gained from comparable projects in the Middle Eastern region.
Despite initial indications from The Arab Contractors regarding pro bono work, MVR 30 million has been allocated in this year’s budget for the survey of the Hithadhoo-Hulhumeedhoo bridge.
Speaking at a ceremony, Addu Mayor Ali Nizar expressed confidence in President Muizzu's commitment to realizing the bridge project, emphasizing its significance for Addu's development, and pledging cooperation despite political variances.
Minister Muththalib revealed that while major Chinese companies had expressed interest in the project, The Arab Contractors were ultimately selected to execute the work, including surveying and securing financing, with community input informing the final bridge location.
President Muizzu confirmed during a recent visit to China that the Addu Bridge project is open to Chinese investors, echoing an earlier statement by Construction Minister Abdulla Muththalib regarding Chinese interest in the project.
Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom had also previously announced that he would build a bridge in Addu ahead of the presidential elections in 2018.President Muizzu announced during a visit to Addu during the last presidential election that he would fulfill the same promise made by former President Yameen. It is President Muizzu's biggest promise to any region other than Male' City.
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