The Maldives is taking steps to develop local expertise in bridge maintenance, with a five-member technical delegation from the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development set to travel to China for specialised training.
The 10-day programme will take place from September 15 to 26 and is aimed at equipping Maldivian technical personnel with practical knowledge and skills in bridge operations, maintenance and structural repairs.
Ahead of the delegation’s departure, Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives Kong Xianhua met with officials from the ministry to discuss the training programme and its objectives.
The initiative is expected to enhance the country’s capacity to independently manage and maintain major bridge infrastructure in the future.
At present, technical inspections and routine maintenance of the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge, commonly known as the Sinamalé Bridge, are carried out by the project contractor, CCCC Second Harbor Engineering Company.
The ministry said Maldivian personnel are also receiving ongoing technical guidance and training from the Chinese company as part of efforts to build domestic expertise.
Describing China’s continued support for capacity development as significant, the ministry said the assistance reflects the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the Maldives and China.
The importance of maintaining local technical capacity was highlighted last week when two vessels collided with the Sinamalé Bridge, resulting in minor superficial damage to its exterior.
Following the incident, an inspection was conducted in cooperation with CCCC Second Harbor Engineering Company. Officials subsequently confirmed that the collisions had not caused any structural damage to the bridge.
Constructed with Chinese financial assistance, the 1.4-kilometre Sinamalé Bridge was officially opened in August 2018.
The bridge, which connects Malé with Hulhulé and Hulhumalé, is supported by seven marine pillars anchored into the seabed and was built at a cost of approximately USD 200 million.
The latest training programme is expected to further strengthen Maldivian technical capabilities in maintaining this critical piece of national infrastructure and other major bridge projects in the country.
