Male’ City Council has stated that the southern side of Villimale’ will be vacated for the development of the Thilamale’ Bridge under the Greater Male' Connectivity Project (GMCP).
Male’ City Council requested all vehicles to vacate the southern side of Villimale’, as the area is being fenced-off to establish the project site. The council warned that the vehicles that remain in the area after the deadline will be moved, and that it will not take responsibility for any subsequent damages.
Project Manager of GMCP Mohamed Jinan said surveys and site studies are currently ongoing before the start of construction. As such, he noted the platforms currently established along the proposed route of the bridge are part of the geotechnical surveys conducted to assess ground conditions. He stated construction of the foundation will begin around July, noting construction will begin from the link near Male’.
The jackup barge used for hydrographic and geotechnical surveys of the project arrived in the Maldives last month. The barge will also be used during the construction of the bridge, for the operation of certain equipment and machinery.
The GMCP is the single-largest infrastructure project in the Maldives and is expected to become a national economic engine, and a lifeline connecting Male' to Villimale', Gulhifalhu, and the Thilafushi Industrial Zone. The project is funded through a USD400 million line of credit from Exim Bank of India and by a USD100 million grant from the Government of India.