Sinohydro to build an athletics track in Hulhumale’

Maldivian government has contracted Chinese state-owned company, Sinohydro Corporation - through Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) - to build an athletics track in the practice field used for sporting in Hulhumale’.

Sinohydro is the same company which developed the runway and built a new apron in Ibrahim Nasir International Airport.

During ceremony held at MACL on Wednesday, Ministry of Youth and Sports assigned the task of building the athletics track in Hulhumale’ to MACL, who sourced it out to Sinohydro.

Minister Zuhoor handing the project over to MACL MD Adhil on May 25, 2016. Sun photo: Yoosuf Sofwan

In addition to the athletics track, stands are also to be built on the field – a task which has been assigned to Housing Development Corporation (HDC).

Managing Director of MACL, Adhil Moosa said that the project to build the 400-meter athletics track was sourced out to Sinohydro because the company had successfully carried out two major projects in Maldives. And had equipment and machinery needed for the project already in the country.

“This is a company which has already run USD 25 million projects in the country. They can be mobilized immediately. They can start the project immediately after completing the projects at the airport,” said Adhil.

Speaking during the ceremony Minister of Youth and Sports, Ahmed Zuhoor said that government had held discussions with many parties regarding the project, but that everyone had said it would be costly to bring in a company from abroad with the necessary machinery and equipment for the project.

Minister Zuhoor speaking as MACL MD Adhil looks on during the ceremony on May 25, 2016. Sun photo: Yoosuf Sofwan

He said that government therefore contracted Sinohydro – who already had equipment mobilized in Maldives – through MACL for the project.

He said that International Olympic Committee had instructed the government to make the arrangement.

Sinohydro has been given a 90-day period to build the synthetic athletics track.

A turf is also to be built on the practice field.

Zuhoor said that the project would be funded straight from state budget. And that a USD 20,000 assistance would be provided for the budget through MACL corporate social responsibility budget.

Adhil said that the USD 20,000 would cover half of the cost of building the turf.