Govt in talks with Egyptian contractor to build Hithadhoo-Hulhumeedhoo bridge

The government is engaged in discussions with an Egyptian contractor regarding the construction of a bridge to link Hithadhoo and Hulhumeedhoo in Addu City, according to a top President’s Office official.

In a press briefing regarding the decisions made during Sunday’s cabinet meeting, Abdulla Nazim, the public policy secretary at the President’s Office, told reporters that The Arab Contractors - an Egyptian regional construction and contracting company – has expressed interest in undertaking the project.

He said that the Economic Council discussed the company’s proposal on Wednesday.

Nazim said the company has signaled willingness to carry out the surveys needed for the project free of charge.

“Given that the company has signaled willingness to conduct related surveys free of charge, the Economic Council decided to proceed with discussions if they are willing to do it like that,” he said.

Linking Hithadhoo and Hulhumeedhoo via a bridge had been one of former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s electoral pledges in the lead up to the 2018 presidential elections.

Incumbent President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu made the same pledge during the 2023 presidential campaign. He said he would initiate the project within his first year in office.