On November 16, 2023, it appears that both parties had mutually agreed to extend the project deadline to 2026, granting an additional two years for completion without requiring extra funding.
President's Office
One of the significant infrastructure initiatives undertaken by the former administration, the Greater Male’ Connectivity Project, aimed to link Male’, Villimale’, and Gulhifalhu, creating a seamless connection in the Greater Male’ Area. Despite its potential, concerns have emerged due to the slow pace and numerous hurdles faced by the project, raising doubts about its timely completion.
The project, following the successful China Maldives Friendship Bridge linking Male’ to Hulhumale’, was expected to be completed by 2024. However, early signs of sluggish progress led to skepticism about meeting this deadline. In November 2023, after the change in administration, President Mohamed Muizz and officials visited the construction site to assess the situation.
The Construction and Infrastructure Minister, Abdulla Muthalib, revealed during a subsequent press conference that as of November 15, 2023, only 29 percent of the project had been completed. This stark contrast to the anticipated 81 percent completion raised concerns among the public, especially given the project's substantial MVR 6.2 billion budget.
Adding to the apprehensions, the project contractor admitted the impossibility of meeting the original deadline, prompting discussions between the former administration and the contractor. On November 16, 2023, it appears that both parties had mutually agreed to extend the project deadline to 2026, granting an additional two years for completion without requiring extra funding.
While the minister assured that the allocated MVR 6.2 billion would suffice, some administrative oversights have contributed to delays. Notably, the transfer of certain lands from the Maldivian government to the contractors remained pending, significantly impeding progress.
Given the previous administration's notoriety for corruption scandals, concerns about financial management arose. In response, Minister Muthalib clarified that no additional funds were released beyond what was stipulated in the project agreement. Funding distribution adhered strictly to the established guidelines.
As the Greater Male’ Connectivity Project navigates these challenges and revisions, attention turns to the present administration's proactive measures to ensure transparency, adherence to timelines, and the successful realization of this vital infrastructure development.
