The equipment needed to conduct the survey of the proposed Thila-Male' Bridge has arrived in the Maldives.
The geotechnical survey work of the country's second over-water bridge was contracted to a Dutch company named Fugro for MVR 231.3 million.
A tweet published by the Planning Ministry said the Self Elevating Platform and other heavy machinery needed to start the Geotechnical works of the Greater Male Connectivity - Male’ to Thilafushi Link Project arrived in the Maldives on Friday. The survey work will commence soon, the ministry revealed.
As part of the survey, 23 boreholes will be drilled into the sea in addition to 75-meter deep boreholes drilled into the ground in five locations. This includes two locations in Male', and other locations in VilliMale', Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi. Land surveys will also be carried out in Male', VilliMale' and Gulhifalhu, said the ministry.
While the survey work is expected to be completed by July 7, the construction of the bridge will commence during the current year, the ministry had previously revealed.
The construction of the bridge will be contracted to an Indian company as the project is funded under loan assistance from the neighbouring nation. The pre-qualification process for the project is currently ongoing in India, and the tender process will begin in July, the government had previously revealed.
