Parts of the super structure of China-Maldives Friendship Bridge will be brought to the country during September this year, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has said.
Currently work is underway to install the beams required to support the super structure or the bridge deck. Work is underway to install the beams which will support and connect the super structure or bridge deck. The work is being conducted from the approach bridge on the Male' side. A total of 240 beams will be set up to support the bridge super structure or bridge deck. Work on the main pillars of the bridge are nearing competition with pillars being capped. Once pillars are complete it will all be connected via beams.
Speaking about the latest update of the bridge project, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Dr. Mohamed Muizzu said that large part of the approach bridge will be completed before the end of this year. Super structures for the bridge is being manufactured in China will be brought to Maldives soon, Housing Minister said.
Looking at statistics ,over 20 thousand people travel between Hulhule and Hulhumale' on a daily basis while 30 thousand people travel between Hulhule and Male' City. The number suggest that once completed around 50 thousand people would use the bridge every day.
Describing the bridge as a revolutionary developmental project, Minister Muizzu said that the bridge would be beneficial in many ways, including easing travel for thousands of people living in Hulhumale' as well as the thousands of people who visit Hulhule' via ferries. The bridge will also increase investor interest in the Greater Male' Area, the Minister noted. While the work of the bridge is progressing at a fast pace, priority is given to ensure the quality of the project, according to the Housing Minister. People would be able to see the completed bridge by September and expressed hope to open the bridge for public by 26th July 2018, he said.
The China-Maldives Friendship Bridge is the first project of its kind in the Maldives and is the largest development project. The project was officially inaugurated by President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom on December 30, 2015. The 2,000-metre bridge is set to be completed and inaugurated in July 2018.The bridge will cost approximately USD 210 million, of which 94% is provided by the Chinese government, which includes a grant aid of USD 124 million and a soft loan of USD 73.4 million. The remaining USD 12.6 million is provided by the Government.