China will"favorably consider" providing financial support to the Maldives to construct a key bridge connecting its capital to its airport island, local media reported Tuesday.
The Male-Hulhule bridge project, if the venture proves feasible, will be significantly assisted by the Chinese government, an official from Embassy of China has said.
Speaking at a press conference at the President's Office, Deputy Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives Liu Qiang revealed details of the Memorandum Of Understanding (MoU) signed between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Maldives President Yameen Abdulla in September.
He also explained that a Chinese survey team already in the Maldives will complete a preliminary feasibility study of the project within 40 days.
The preliminary study will be followed by a project feasibility study. Afterwards, a design plan will be determined and the two governments will explore options to finance the project.
The arrival of the preliminary feasibility study"shows that the Chinese government attaches great attention both to this project and to the friendly and cooperative relations between China and the Maldives,"said Qiang.
President Xi has previously expressed his hope that the bridge would be named the "China-Maldives Friendship Bridge." "If this is possible engineering-wise, and if nature allows it, we will do it," Fisheries Minister Dr Mohamed Shainee told local media outlet Minivan news.
The construction of a bridge was first announced during former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's reelection campaign in 2008. Former President Mohamed Nasheed also pledged to link Male to its suburb islands -- Hulhumal, Hulhul, Villingili and Gulhifalhu - - via a bridge.
A 2011 feasibility study carried out by Ove Arup and Partners Hong Kong explored three options to link Male and Hulhule, through Funadhoo Island on the north, or through two different paths on the southeastern side of Male over the surf point to the edge of the runway on Hulhule.
Possible cost of the project is yet to be announced.
