Construction Minister Dr. Abdulla Muthalib has revealed that the Sinamale' Bridge has not undergone any repairs or maintenance over the last three years.
The Sinamale' Bridge was constructed by China's CCCC company during the administration of former President Abdullah Yameen, funded by the Maldives government and a Chinese grant and loan. The project was completed in 2018 and opened for public use just ahead of the 2018 presidential election.
Speaking to state media PSM, Minister Muthalib explained that China had initially agreed to provide free repairs to the bridge for two years following the end of President Abdullah Yameen's administration. However, no repair work has been carried out since the expiration of the two-year contract.
The minister said China had extended the offer of free repairs to the previous government, but the former government had not responded to the request. He said the current administration is now in discussion with China to accept a further three years of free repair. Muthalib stressed the importance of prioritizing the repair and maintenance of the Sinamale' Bridge, as it is used by hundreds of people daily.
"We are now working on obtaining the necessary permits from the relevant agencies to sign [the agreement] as soon as possible. If we get the permits even this week, we will sign," he said.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu recently described the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge project as the largest and most challenging such project undertaken in the Indian Ocean region. He highlighted the positive impact of such projects on the lives of people in the Greater Male' region and acknowledged the significant assistance provided by China in carrying out major projects in the Maldives.
