A Chinese engineering consultancy has been awarded the contract to conduct the survey, feasibility study, and detailed design for the proposed bridge linking Hithadhoo and Hulhumeedhoo in Addu City — a project expected to significantly enhance connectivity across the southernmost atoll.
The agreement was signed on Sunday between the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure and TYLin International Engineering Consulting Company Limited, a China-based firm with a global portfolio of large-scale infrastructure projects.
Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Dr Abdulla Muththalib signed the contract on behalf of the government, while Chen Xiaohu, President of TYLin’s Chinese branch, represented the company at the ceremony.
Under the terms of the contract, TYLin will carry out surveys, feasibility assessments, and detailed design works, along with preparing technical specifications and documentation required to move the project into the tendering phase.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister Muththalib said the consultancy work will play a pivotal role in determining the most viable and cost-effective transport solution for Addu City.
“We will conduct a full feasibility study and explore various possibilities — whether a floating bridge, a sea-crossing bridge, or even a transit train system,” said the Minister. “The goal is to identify what is most beneficial both economically and technologically before moving to tender.”
He noted that once the studies and detailed drawings are completed, securing financing and selecting an implementation partner would be much smoother, paving the way for swift commencement of practical work.
The Minister also clarified that the bridge survey was previously assigned to an Egyptian company under a package that included financing and construction. However, the contractor was unable to arrange the required funds or complete the initial proposal, prompting the government to reassign the consultancy portion of the project.
“After the preliminary stage, they couldn’t progress further, so we decided to separate the key components — survey, design, and feasibility — and award them to a qualified consultant,” Minister Muththalib explained, adding that the selection process followed the Ministry of Finance and Planning’s procurement guidelines.
Valued at USD 1.025 million, the consultancy project will be executed in three stages and is expected to be completed within six months.
Minister Muththalib stressed that the government remains committed to ensuring the project delivers maximum benefit to the people of Addu City, with community engagement and consultation integral to every stage of development.
