The Maldives government yesterday contracted China’s Rotime Engineering and Technology Corporation Limited to develop a 15-story accommodation and logistics building at Kalhuthukkala Koshi for military personnel.
According to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), this project—the largest infrastructure development in the history of the military—was awarded to Rotime on a design-and-build basis.
While the project is slated for completion within two years, the government has not disclosed the total cost. Furthermore, officials have not provided a reason for awarding the design and construction of an operational and logistics hub within one of the country’s most sensitive military installations to a foreign firm.
The agreement was signed during a ceremony at Bandaara Koshi by Deputy Minister of Defence Fathimath Mizna Ali and the Managing Director of the Chinese corporation, Zhou Weidong.
The ceremony was attended by Minister of Defence Hassan Rasheed, Chief of Defence Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmy, Vice Chief of Defence Force Brigadier General Ahmed Ghiyas, along with general officers, senior ministry officials, and executives from Rotime Engineering.
Since President Mohamed Muizzu assumed office, several high-value projects from the government and state-owned enterprises have been awarded to Chinese firms without a competitive bidding process. These include major works such as the development of the Thilafushi harbour.
Muizzu has maintained close ties with Chinese corporations since his tenure as Housing Minister. During that period, financial transfers from some Chinese companies were made to his personal accounts; however, Muizzu has maintained that these payments were legitimate rental income.
