China’s CMEC awarded development of Gulhifalhu roads, municipal infrastructure

Maldivian government has executed an agreement with China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) for the development of roads and municipal infrastructure at Gulhifalhu, an island reclaimed at Gulhifalhu reef in Male’ atoll.

The agreement was signed during a ceremony held at the President’s Office on Monday morning. Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Dr. Abdulla Muthalib signed the agreement on behalf of the Maldivian government while Regional General Manager Qian Haojun signed the agreement on behalf of CMEC.

The ceremony was also graced by the President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. 

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Muthalib said the project is being undertaken under an agreement executed during President Muizzu’s state visit to China last year.

He noted that many projects have been carried out between the Ministry and CMEC including preparation of project scoping, technical specification and designing.

As per the Ministry, an agreement was reached with CMEC with respect to this project after evaluating the proposal submitted by the company and holding discussions on it. The project was awarded to the company on a contractor finance basis.

The scope of work under the project includes:

• Establishment of an electricity distribution network
• Establishment of water and sewerage systems
• Establishment dewatering system
• Developing roads up to modern standards
• Establishment of GPON ducting system
• Establishment of a gas storage and distribution system

Minister Muthalib said the contractor, following the execution of the agreement today, will commence survey and detail design work immediately. He added that the preparation of the work site will also begin without any further delays.

Approximately 300 hectares of land have been reclaimed from Gulhifalhu of which a large percentage is being utilized for the Thilmale’ Bridge project. As such, Minister Muthalib said it has been decided that work on Gulhifalhu road and municipal infrastructure development will proceed in available areas.

CMEC’s Regional Manager Qian who also spoke at the ceremony said the company has over 14 years of experience in executing projects in the Maldives. He emphasized that crucial projects have been executed by the company over this period including housing and infrastructure projects, road development projects and energy projects.

Notably, the government has contracted CMEC to develop a tourism complex in Addu City. The company which operates in 150 countries has over 46 years of experience in engineering.