Govt. currently seeking funds for Addu bridge project

Infrastructure Minister Dr. Abdulla Muthalib states the government is currently seeking funds required to commence physical works on the Hithadhoo and Hulhumeedhoo Bridge in Addu City.

He made the remark while responding to a query by Central Hithadhoo MP Ahmed Azaan during Monday’s parliamentary sitting.

While responding to the query, Minister Muthalib described Addu bridge project as one allocated maximum priority by the current administration.

Egypt’s The Arab Contractors was awarded the preliminary design and survey of the bridge on February 19, to be carried out free of a fee. 

Minister Muthalib said the government was considering the possibility of moving forward with another party if the contractor fails to secure the funds required for the project.

Speaking further, the Minister revealed that the government was in discussion with companies that submitted proposals for the bridge project regarding obtaining funds, citing them as all capable parties. 

In this trajectory, he said efforts were underway to secure a loan for the project.

“At present, we are evaluating the financing proposals submitted by the companies, to see whether they are acceptable to the government and holding discussions with them on this front. We do not wish to enter a contract at this moment without securing the funds,” he said.

The commencement of physical works on Hithadhoo and Hulhumeedhoo Bridge is a pledge included in President Muizzu's 'Hafutha 14' roadmap, or first 100-day goals. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has previously remarked that physical works on the project will be commenced before the end of this year; which is required to honor the pledge. 

MVR 30 million was allocated for the survey required to commence physical works on the bridge.

The Arab Contractors completed the first round of surveys required for the design of the bridge on April 10th.

The development of the Hithadhoo and Hulhumeedhoo Bridge had also been an electoral pledge made by former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom during his bid for a second term in 2018.