Chinese Firm to Do Survey and Design of Addu Bridge, Project Valued at MVR 15.8 Million

A Chinese company has been contracted to carry out the survey and design work for a planned bridge linking Hithadhoo and Hulhudhoo in Addu City. 

The agreement was signed with T.Y. Lin International Engineering Consulting Company, with Construction Minister Dr Abdullah Muthalib representing the Maldives and company president Chen Xiaohu signing on behalf of the firm.

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The signing ceremony for the consultancy services of the proposed Hithadhoo-Hulhudhoo-Meedhoo Link Bridge Project was held today. The agreement was signed by the Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure, Dr. Abdulla Muththalib, and the President of T.Y. Lin… pic.twitter.com/vPs53pKFsQ— Ministry of Construction, Housing & Infrastructure (@MoCImv) October 26, 2025

The Construction Ministry stated that the scope of the contract includes topographic and bathymetric surveys, design preparation, technical specifications, and tender documentation. The project is valued at USD 1,025,000, equivalent to approximately MVR 15.8 million, and the work is expected to be completed within six months. The ministry added that the consultant was appointed in line with Finance Ministry regulations and that community consultations are planned to ensure the project serves public interests.

This contract replaces an earlier agreement with Egypt’s The Arab Contractors, awarded in February 2024, which was terminated after the company failed to complete the survey or secure financing to commence work. The government subsequently sought a new contractor to move the project forward.

The Addu Bridge project was among the initiatives included in the final week of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s first 100-day roadmap. The signing of the new contract took place one day after a referendum in Addu City approved the establishment of separate councils for Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo, where residents have long voiced concerns about difficulties in travelling to Hithadhoo for essential services.

The proposed bridge, expected to extend between 14 and 15 kilometres, was originally pledged by former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom during the 2018 election campaign. President Muizzu, who received Yameen’s backing in his bid for office, has renewed the commitment as part of his infrastructure development agenda. The government allocated MVR 30 million last year for the survey phase of the project.