Chinese company, Second Harbor Engineering Company by China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), has commenced practical work on maintenance for the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge. The agreement of the maintenance work was signed on March 20.
As part of the agreement, CCCC was tasked with carrying out repair and maintenance work on the bridge for a period of 3 years. Moreover, the Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure reiterated that all practical implementations, along with bridge condition assessments, would be addressed within the agreement in place.
Additionally, while the total project cost amounts to USD 3.6 million, it is reportedly being executed as part of the Chinese government's free aid to the Maldives. In compliance with this agreement, maintenance work is to be carried out monthly, annually, and every 6 months. Locals are also to be trained under the contract.
Furthermore, Minister of Construction and Infrastructure Dr. Abdulla Muththalib revealed that although maintenance work had been initiated within the first 2 years since its opening, it has not been carried out for the past 3 consecutive years. The Minister further emphasized the prioritization of local training, highlighting its significance as another bridge is being established in the greater Male' region.
The China-Maldives Friendship Bridge, funded by the Chinese government, was opened to the public in August 2018, following a project cost totaling USD 300 million.