Vice President Ahmed Adeeb Abdul Ghafoor has stated that the agreement to construct the China Maldives Friendship Bridge will be signed in the coming months.
Vice President made this remark while speaking at the design unveiling ceremony for the “China-Maldives Friendship Bridge”, a monumental bridge being built with Chinese assistance, linking Male’ city and Hulhumale.
Vice President Adeeb said that the Chinese Government had announced for companies that will build the bridge and that they will be able to sign the agreement in the coming months.
Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce Gao Yan had also revealed that the construction of the bridge will begin later this year.
It is anticipated that the bridge will be one of the highest quality bridges in the region and will change the landscape of Male’. It is estimated that the project will cost US $300 million, out of which US $100 million will be allotted from the Chinese grant aid to Maldives. US $170 million will be financed by a long term loan at a minimal interest rate, while the Maldivian Government will have to finance US $30 million.
If the Government allots all the grant aid given by the Chinese Government on the bridge project, then the Government will not have to provide any finances for the project.
Bridge development agreement will be signed soon: Vice President
