The USD 500 million project is funded by the Indian government
High Commissioner of India to the Maldives, Sunjay Sudhir
High Commissioner of India to the Maldives, Sunjay Sudhir said "mission accomplished" following the signing of the Thilamalé bridge project, or the Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP).
He made this remark during his address at the signing ceremony where an Indian company, Afcons Infrastructure Limited was contracted the Thilamalé bridge project, on Thursday morning.
Noting that this is a concrete milestone, the high commissioner noted that the USD 500 million Greater Malé Connectivity Project supports the vision of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for strong bilateral relations.
Sudhir highlighted that the seeds of the project were planted during External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar’s visit in September 2019. Following this, a meeting was held where Minister of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Mohamed Aslam made a “very detailed” and thorough presentation on the project.
Stating that the Indian delegation was “indeed so impressed” that the government immediately got down to work and since then, so much progress has been made.
Further, the high commissioner highlighted that Indian Model of Development Cooperation is demand-driven, adding that priorities are set by the host government, which has a major role in execution of the project. As such, the high-impact community projects involve the local councils and the line ministries in a major way in the implementation, as far as the line of credit projects are concerned and a case in point.
The project’s DPR was prepared by the Maldivian government, as well as the tendering process, selection and signing with the contractor.
Sudhir went on to express pride in the transparency and the inclusiveness of the process.
In his remarks, HC Sudhir also praised the company the mega project was contracted to, expressing certainty that “that they will do a wonderful job in terms of both quality as well as timelines for implementation” as the company has engaged with some of the world’s leading consultants, experts and designers to support the project.
Sudhir said that GMCP will be an iconic and enduring aspect which fulfils the objectives it is supposed to serve for the Maldivian government and is also concrete proof that India is a “robust” development partner of the Maldives, in addition to being the first-responder in times of emergency in the Maldives.
The newly-initiated project will support livelihoods, provide jobs and contribute in propelling Maldivian economy to its true potential. Sudhir expressed hope and confidence that the economy of the country will reach the USD 10 billion mark, “very soon”.
The 6.74km long bridge agreement was signed at a ceremony held at Hotel Jen.
Sudhir was joined by Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer, Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail, Planning Minister Aslam and Transport Minister Aishath Nahula at the signing ceremony.
