Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said that 25 percent of the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge project was completed in 2016.
“Work on the piled foundation of the bridge began during November 2016 and drilling of 35 piles were completed by December 14, 2016,” he said. Piers and abutments of the bridge will be completed by July 2017, the minister said, adding that the work on the project is progressing ahead of schedule.
The China-Maldives Friendship Bridge is the first project of its kind in the Maldives and is the largest development project conducted by Chinese company, S.H.E.C. The project was officially inaugurated by President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom on December 30, 2015.
Upon completion of the 2,000-metre bridge, set to be completed and inaugurated in July 2018, the productivity of the region is expected to be highly revitalised, according to the Government.
The bridge will cost approximately US$210 million, of which 94% is provided by the Chinese government, which includes a grant aid of US$124 million and a soft loan of US$73.4 million. The remaining US$12.6 million is provided by the Government.