male_airport1.jpg (Photo : www.netmobius.com)
China and Maldives entered another stage in their key bridge project, which will connect Male with the international airport, as both countries inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the project's pre-feasibility study, said an official on Tuesday.
Yung Vunzeong, the Principal of the Economic and Commercial Councilors Office in China, signed the MoU with Mohamed Muiz, the Housing Minister of the Maldivian government.
Muiz said that the ongoing research programs, additional future feasibility evaluations and designs for the construction of the bridge are all under the MoU's mandate. He also said that the preparation stage for the project is almost done.
"The bridge project is high on the Maldivian government's priority list," said Muiz.
A feasibility study will follow after the initial study. It will be followed by design plans for the bridge, and both governments will seek methods in financing the project.
During Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Maldives in September, he said that he wants the bridge to be named "China-Maldives Friendship Bridge."
Plans for building a bridge were first announced during the re-election campaign of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayom in 2008.
Another bridge, which will connect Mal to the suburb islands of Gulhifalhu, Villingili, Hulhul and Hulhumal, was pledged to be built by former president Mohamed Nasheed.
Partners Hong Kong and Ove Arup made a feasibility study in 2011 regarding three possible options to link Hulhul with Mal via the Funadhoo Island, or through two more paths on Mal's southeast surf point to Hulhul's runway edge.
Financial details about the project were not disclosed yet.
