Maldives government would open the iconic surf point in the capital Male to surfers in September, Maldives Surfers Association revealed Monday.
Housing ministry had banned surfing in 'Varunulaa Raalhugandu' area to construct the landmark bridge which would connect the airport island Hulhule to the capital.
The ban sparked an outcry from local surfers while several surfers were arrested in March last year when they protested against the construction of the bridge claiming it would destroy waves.
MSA president Ahmed Fauzan told AVAS that the housing ministry had now informed that the surf point would be re-opened in August or September after the construction of the bridge is completed which is expected in July.
The ministry had also hinted at plans to further develop the area to facilitate surfing, Fauzan said.
"The ministry met us and told us to submit a proposal which we have already done," Fauzan explained.
The ministry however, is yet to officially comment on the decision.
The landmark project to build a over-water bridge that would connect the capital Male to the reclaimed suburb Hulhumale and the airport island is currently ongoing.
The bridge dubbed China-Maldives Friendship bridge is being financed with USD126 million in grant aid and a concessionary loan from China along with USD12.6 million from the state budget.
The over water Male-Hulhumale Bridge will stretch out to 1.39 kilometers in length and 20 meters in width.
