President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has reaffirmed his commitment to construct the bridge connecting Hulhudhoo, Meedhoo, and Hithadhoo in Addu City, announcing that a Chinese company has been appointed to develop the complete bridge design following an international tender process.

The President made the announcement during meetings with residents of Addu Hulhudhoo and Addu Meedhoo, held as part of his ongoing two-day tour of Fuvahmulah City and Addu, the Maldives’ two southernmost atolls.

President Muizzu said that the Government aims to begin construction within the next year, confirming that the selected Chinese firm has been contracted under a USD 1 million agreement to produce detailed designs for three proposed bridge concepts.

The company will submit comprehensive drawings, technical specifications, and feasibility studies for each design within six months.

Describing the firm as “one of the world’s leading specialists in bridge engineering,” the President said the feasibility reports will meet international standards required for awarding the final construction contract.

He added that design work commenced last month, and final documents are expected to be submitted to the Government by March or April 2026, after which a single design will be selected and preparations for construction will begin.

President Muizzu also underscored his administration’s broader development agenda in Addu, citing ongoing road upgrades, improvements in waste management, and the establishment of fitness and recreation centres.

He highlighted that banking services are being expanded equally across Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo, with the opening of a new bank branch and a Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB) ATM.

During the visit, the President also inaugurated passport services in Hulhudhoo, launched combined ID card and passport services in Meedhoo, and witnessed the signing of agreements to upgrade the Addu Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo Health Centres to hospitals.

Additionally, an agreement was signed for the construction of a new Seenu Atoll School building.