A bridge design team from China has visited Maldives to finalize the bridge design and other details regarding the bridge on Monday.
The delegation included officials of China’s Commerce Ministry, an official from Exim Bank and designers from the bridge team.
Housing Ministry’s Deputy Minister Abdullah Muhthalib reported that the designers have submitted a concept design for the bridge. He also reported that the senior officials of the Government and the Chinese delegation have initiated discussions, with the Chinese delegation meeting the Economic and Youth Council.
A feasibility study has been completed and submitted to the Chinese Government. Muhthalib stated that the two parties will sign key agreements regarding the bridge on Thursday.
President Abdullah Yameen had already signed the grant aid agreement for the bridge in his visit to the country last month. Majority of the bridge project is funded by grant aid from Chinese Government, with the rest being supplied by a soft loan from the country. The bridge survey is also conducted by grant aid from China, which is expected to cost around US $ 3 to 4 million. It is expected that the bridge will be opened in 2017.