Government opens application for Male'-Hulhule' bridge project

Government has called for Expression of Interest (EOI) to construct a bridge that will link Male’ and the airport island of Hulhule’. Speaking at a press conference held this afternoon at the President’s Office to brief the media on the EOI, co-chair of the government’s Economic Council Tourism Minister Ahmed Adheeb said the Male’-Hulhule’ bridge project will be the first major project to undertaken by the government, as per the Progressive Party of Maldives’ (PPM) economic manifesto. Interested parties may submit EOIs before 29 December, the Tourism Minister announced. Speaking at the press conference, Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed said the government is seeking a company to undertake the design and construction, as well as the operation and maintenance of the bridge, after it goes into service. “Some countries have [conducted projects on] design, build and own, or build and transfer basis. We are looking for a someone to design, build and maintain. “This is not difficult, but a challenging project. The people greatly want this, so I would like to note that work has begun is ongoing is ongoing for this project,” Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed said. Tourism Minister Adheeb said that, in order to filter the best method to implement the project, the government is currently seeking as many proposals as possible. He said the government does not want to obtain financial loans to construct the bridge and thus, is looking for a party willing to undertake the project on a contractor-finance basis. He said the government plans to provide incentives and privileges for the company that wins the bid.

The government has opened application for parties interested in building a bridge between Male’ and Hulhule’. Making the announcement at a press conference in President’s Office today, Economic Minster Mohamed Saeed said those parties interested in undertaking the bridge construction project may submit their proposals between today and 29 December. Minister said the project will be opened for international bidding and noted that companies from European and South Asia countries have already expressed interest. He also said the announcement for the project as been published in the government gazette today.

The government will consider the proposals most beneficial for the country. Economic developments that will follow the establishment of the bridge will also be taken into consideration.

When asked if the government has plans to hand over management of Ibrahim Nasir International Airport (INIA) to Indian infrastructure giant GMR, Tourism Minister Ahmed Adheeb said the airport will be managed by the Maldivian government.

Economic Minister said it is possible for government’s requirements for the bridge to differ from previous year’s requirements. Companies from Europe and South Asia region have expressed interest, the Minister said.

Announcement seeking interested parties to be published on the government gazette today. Deadline for application will be 29 December.

Economic Minister said a number of parties have expressed interest to build the bridge.

Minister of Economic Development Mohamed Saeed is speaking to the press.