Housing Minister Dr. Mohamed Muizz says the construction work of the China Maldives Friendship Bridge is progressing faster than the schedule, adding that the Bridge will be open in next September.
On Wednesday the bridge was opened to journalists, to observe the progress of the Bridge construction. The Minister had appealed to journalists to bring in a clear picture of the bridge to citizens.
Dr. Muizz said that the Ministry got weekly updates on the progress. The construction, the Minister said, went ahead taking into account the changing weather patterns.
'We anticipate the Bridge will be opened in September, construction completed by July 26th. We see that it will be completed by that date,' he said.
Minister Dr. Muizz said the concrete work will be carried out by end of this year.
Over a thousand staff are active in the construction process. The Minister said there were no issues with finances and the payments were proceeding according to the payment plan. He added that quality control was a high priority.
No decision has yet been made on the fees charged for using the Bridge. Minister Muizz assured the fee will be an affordable one.
Dr. Muizz added that the Bridge was a key pledge that will be achieved as per President Abdullah Yameen's vision.