Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail has stated the Greater Male’ Connectivity Project and the International Port Development Project in Gulhifalhu will be mobilised in mid-2021.
Speaking to PSM News, Minister Fayyaz said one of the top priorities of the government for 2021 is commencing infrastructure projects which have been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Noting projects which are essential to broaden economic activity of the Maldives will be given special priority, the minister expressed confidence the Greater Male’ Connectivity Bridge and the Gulhifalhu port project can be mobilised next year.
The economic minister noted the projects have already been opened for prequalified tenders until November 12. The minister stated the qualified parties will be submitted within approximately a month after the tender closes. Therefore, he expressed belief a contractor will be finalised around January or February next year, while site mobilisation will be carried out around May or June as the projects will be contracted on a design-and-build basis.
Speaking further, Economic Minister Fayyaz stated the bridge and port projects will bring many social benefits, in addition to economic benefits. As such, he noted the projects will help to reduce congestion in Male’ City, while also easing the transport of goods to the atolls and reducing the price of goods.
The Greater Male' Connectivity Bridge, which will connect Male', Villimale', Thilafushi and Gulhifalhu, is expected to be 6.7 kilometres long, with at least four lanes. The bridge is funded under the USD 400 million Line of Credit Agreement signed between the Maldives and the Exim Bank of India.
Meanwhile, the International Port Development Project in Gulhifalhu was launched to resolve the difficulties faced due to lack of space in the Male’ Commercial Harbour and to provide access for major shipping lines of the world to operate to the Maldives.