President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said that the quality of the Thilamale’ Bridge currently under construction is being independently assured by the same company that handled quality assurance for the Sinamale’ Bridge.
He made the remarks while speaking on PSM’s Nation Chat programme.
The Thilamale’ Bridge project will connect Male’, Vilimale’, Thilafushi and Gulhifalhu, with highways and other connecting roads being built alongside the bridge. The bridge, causeways and connecting roads will span about 6.7 km. The project is valued at around USD 500 million, comprising a USD 100 million grant and USD 400 million line of credit from India. The Maldivian government is also spending for the project.
In his remarks, the President said the Thilamale’ Bridge project would significantly benefit the region’s economic and social development.
The President noted that Male’ and Villimale’ have already been linked via bridge. However, asphalt laying will begin only after the bridge is connected to Gulhifalhu, he said, adding that he hoped for the project to be completed within a year.
Speaking on the bridge’s quality, the President said the company hired for quality assurance is world-renowned and that the same company was used for the Sinamale’ Bridge. The same director who was involved in the Sinamale’ Bridge project is now leading the Thilamale’ Bridge quality assurance, he noted.
Under the previous government, the project was contracted for completion during its term, but only around 30 percent had been completed by the end of that period. After the current government took office, it worked with the Indian government and contractors to speed up construction. The Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development said 76 percent of the overall project has now been completed.