President Mohamed Muizzu has reiterated his promise to start the construction of Addu bridge next year.
He previously said the project will begin in 2024. In his ongoing visit to Addu, Muizzu said the practical work for the 15-km bridge will now begin in 2026.
China's T.Y.Lin International was recently awarded the survey for the bridge to connect Addu Hithadhoo and Hulhudhoo-Meedhoo
Muizzu said the survey work began in October and is expected to be completed by early 2026. The project was awarded for USD 3 million.
Muizzu said a company will be contracted to build the bridge based on the best design proposed by the Chinese company.
In February last year, the survey for the same project was awarded to an Egyptian company during Muizzu's visit to the southern city.
At the time, Muizzu said the practical work will begin in 2024 and the bridge would be completed within three and a half years.
The survey work was assigned to The Arab Contractors from Egypt. They began survey work on March 6. But there were no project updates after that.
Some MVR 30 million was allocated in last year’s budget for the survey needed for building the bridge between Hithadhoo and Hulhu-Meedhoo.
Beginning the work during the first 100 days in office was included in the government’s “Hafthaa 14” (14 Weeks) roadmap.
