Government seeks Chinese investors for Addu and Huvadhoo bridges

Jan 10, 2024, 9:44 AM
Government seeks Chinese investors for Addu and Huvadhoo bridges

The Addu and Huvadhoo bridges were among the projects presented to investors at the Invest Maldives Forum held in China yesterday.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu earlier pledged to build bridges connecting Addu's Hithadhoo and Hulhumeedhoo and Huvadhoo's Thinadhoo and Kaadedhdhoo.

During the presidential election campaign, Muizzu visited Addu and Huvadhoo and pledged to begin the bridge projects within his five-year term.

Hithadhoo and Hulhumeedhoo are 23 km away while Thinadhoo and Kaadedhdhoo are 4.4 km away.

MVR 30 million has been budgeted for this year for the survey of the bridge connecting Hithadhoo and Hulhumeedhoo.

The government's 14-week roadmap includes starting the work within the first 100 days of the administration.

According to an Economic Ministry official who spoke to Adhadhu about the Invest Maldives forum, the government hopes to find Chinese investors for the projects that are part of Muizzu's vision.

The biggest projects are the third phase of the Velana Airport development, the Rasmale' project and the relocation of the Male' commercial port to Thilafushi.

Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's government planned to relocate the commercial port to Gulhifalhu.

Other projects opened for Chinese investment include:

  • Facilities for Rasmale' to be developed under zero-carbon safe island concept
  • Construction of 70,000 affordable housing units
  • Ihavandhippolhu Port and Tourism Zone
  • Development of domestic airports in 15 areas
  • Develop a hospitality institute including an upscale resort

In addition, information on investment opportunities in Maldives in the fields of agriculture, waste disposal, renewable energy and financial services was also provided during the Invest Maldives Forum.

The Economic Ministry said 250 representatives from businesses in China attended the forum. Around 30 representatives from Maldivian businesses also participated in the forum.

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