Ministry of National Planning and Infrastructure has announced underwater borehole drilling is underway between Male' and Villimale' as part of the geotechnical investigation for the construction of the Greater Male' Connectivity Bridge.
The planning ministry revealed borehole drilling was commenced after installing special platforms in the region of work. The ministry urged vessels travelling in the region to take special precautions as all areas within 100 meters of the platforms are dangerous for travelling vessels. The ministry announced diving and swimming in the region has also been banned until the end of borehole drilling.
The Greater Male' Connectivity Bridge, which would link Male', Villimale', Thilafushi and Gulhifalhu, would be approximately 6.7 kilometres long, with atleast four lanes across its width. The government stated the total cost of the project would be between USD 29.2 million and USD 38.9 million. USD 26.7 million has been allocated in State Budget 2020 to commence the project.