Minister of Construction and Infrastructure Dr. Abdulla Muththalib on Monday said that they are now working to secure funds for the bridge to connect Addu City Hithadhoo with Hulhumeedhoo.
The minister said the physical works of the project will mobilize once funds are arranged.
Minister Muththalib made the remarks while speaking at Monday’s parliament sitting, where he was summoned for questioning, and in response to a question presented by Central-Hithadhoo MP Ahmed Azan.
He stressed the bridge project is among the top priorities in infrastructure development initiatives carried out by the current administration.
Government contracted Egypt’s “The Arab Contractors” to conduct the survey and design free of charge, in February 19.
Muththalib said in the case The Arab Contractors fail to secure funds for the bridge project, the initiative will be passed on to a different contractor. He further said that the government is currently talking to the contractors that submitted proposals for the bridge project since they had proven their financial capabilities.
He added the state is also seeking a loan facility for the project as well.
“Currently we are evaluating if the financing proposals they [contractors] proposed are acceptable for the government, and discuss with them. We do not intend to enter a contract before funds are secured,” Muththalib said.
The Arab Contractors’ proposal was reviewed, after which President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu sought counsel from the City Council authority. He announced the project during his earlier visit to Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo.
The Addu City bridge project is among the key objectives of the first 100-day road map of President Dr. Muizzu. He had earlier pledged physical works of the project will commence before 2024 ends.
A total of MVR 30 million was allocated in the 2024 state budget for the project. The first survey and design works concluded on April 10, 2024.