First superstructure of China-Maldives Friendship Bridge built

Two piers of the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge were connected last Saturday night, forming the bridge’s first superstructure.

The announcement was made by Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu in a tweet this Sunday morning.

The two piers joined to form the first superstructure are Pier 22 and Pier 23, said Muizzu.

CMFB ge mai thanbu thakuge therein emme furathama superstructure in gulhuvaalevey 2 thanbu ( Pier 22 adhi Pier 23) reygai vanee gulhuvaalaafai. Bridge ge masakkai dhanee schedule aa eggothah kuriyah. pic.twitter.com/p4qYhlJhUd

— Dr.Mohamed Muizzu (@MMuizzu) April 1, 2018

Construction of the bridge between Male’ City and Hulhule’ is contracted to Chinese company, CCCC Second Harbor Engineering.

Muizzu said in his tweet that the bridge project is going ahead as scheduled.

The minister previously said most of the concrete work on the bridge from the Male’ City-side is now complete.

He said all the superstructures of the bridge will be complete by July 9.

“It will be joined and the concrete work all done so that you can even walk on it by July 9,” said Muizzu.

The minister said asphalt will be put on the bridge and lights fixed as soon as the superstructures are done.

He said the bridge will be complete by Presidential Election 2018.

The China-Maldives Friendship Bridge Project is worth USD 300 million (MVR 4.7 billion). The Chinese government provided USD 100 million as non-reimbursable financial aid, and a USD 170 million low-interest loan at two percent for the project. The remaining USD 30 million was put in by the Maldivian government.