Strada contracted to build bridge viewing platform

Strada has been contracted to build the bridge viewing platform in Raalhugandu – an area which attracts a large number of people who go there to observe progress made in the construction of China-Maldives Friendship Bridge.

Strada is the company which runs the successful restaurant and catering business – Newport.

The contract to build the bridge viewing platform was signed in a ceremony held at Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure this Thursday by Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and Director of Strada, Zahid Rameez.

The temporary platform is to be designed so that it can be easily disassembled as it will only be used during the three-year period it will take to finish construction of the bridge – which will connect the capital Male’ to the national airport in Hulhule’.

The bridge viewing platform will be built in front of Adi Park, in Boduthakurufaanu Magu.

Strada’s Director, Zahid said that the platform was estimated to cost the company approximately MVR 8 million, but said that he was confident the company would be able to cover the cost within the three-year period it will be in use.

The company will also be paying the State rent for the space.

Zahid said that the plan was to find ways so both Strada and the State can generate income from the platform.

“We have thought about generating revenue from the place by leasing it for events and so on. We are doing this because we are confident we will be able to recover all the costs within three years. In addition to this, the State also designed this place based on the concept of generating more income, in addition to the rent,” said Zahid.

The bridge viewing platform will accommodate 350 people at a time. In addition to the platform, there will also be a playground for children, a restaurant with the capacity to service 250 people, and a parking zone which can be used by 100 vehicles at a time.