Marking a pivotal milestone, an agreement was finalized today entrusting China with the maintenance of the Sinamalé Bridge, courtesy of a generous grant from the Chinese government. 

This collaborative effort, extended to China's CCCC for an additional three-year term, signifies a strategic move towards enhancing the bridge's upkeep.

Addressing attendees at the signing ceremony, Minister of Construction and Infrastructure Abdulla Muththalib emphasized the multifaceted nature of the agreement, highlighting China's pivotal role in both maintenance operations and local capacity building. 

Originally established on April 2, 2023, the agreement between the Maldivian and Chinese governments aimed to pool resources and technical expertise for efficient bridge maintenance.

Central to the agreement is the comprehensive training program designed to equip Maldivian technicians with the necessary skills to assume maintenance responsibilities. 

Minister Muththalib reiterated the government's commitment to nurturing local talent, ensuring that Maldivians are well-prepared to manage maintenance activities independently.

The training curriculum encompasses various facets of bridge maintenance, including road engineering, safety protocols, landscaping, and advanced maintenance techniques. 

This initiative aligns with the government's broader strategy to foster indigenous expertise and promote self-reliance in critical infrastructure management.

Following the completion of the Sinamalé Bridge in 2018, maintenance duties were initially entrusted to the construction company for a two-year period. 

However, with the contract left unrenegotiated for the subsequent three years, maintenance efforts stagnated, prompting the need for a renewed approach.

Outlined tasks in the agreement encompass finishing and repair work, preventive maintenance measures, conducting thorough assessments, establishing robust record-keeping systems, and executing scheduled maintenance tasks to ensure the bridge's structural integrity and safety.

The Sinamalé Bridge, hailed as the largest infrastructure project in the Maldives to date, has garnered significant investment, with nearly USD 200 million allocated for its construction and upkeep. 

Of this, USD 116 million constitutes a generous grant from the Chinese government, underscoring China's steadfast commitment to supporting the Maldives' infrastructural development endeavors.