President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has confirmed that the Addu Bridge project, one of his administration’s key pledges, remains on the agenda despite continued delays.

The government has awarded the bridge’s design and technical works to a Chinese company through what it described as an international bidding process, under a contract valued at USD one million.

The announcement came during Muizzu’s ongoing tour of the southernmost atolls, including Fuvahmulah and Addu City. His first stop in Addu was Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo, where he met with residents and outlined updates on several development projects.

According to the president, the contracted company is tasked with producing three design options, complete with technical details and drawings, within six months. The work reportedly began last month and the completed documents are expected to be submitted to the government by March or April next year.

Once a final design is selected, the administration plans to move forward with construction sometime within the following year.

The government has emphasized that the selected Chinese firm is among the top international players in large-scale infrastructure design.

The company’s responsibilities include preparing feasibility studies and ensuring that all technical requirements are met to a standard suitable for the eventual construction phase.

While Muizzu reaffirmed that the project would not be relocated elsewhere, the slow progress and absence of visible groundwork have raised concerns about whether the bridge, first promised during his campaign, will materialize within the stated timeframe.

Alongside the bridge project, the president highlighted ongoing efforts to resolve long-standing issues in road construction and waste management, as well as initiatives to establish new fitness and recreation centers. He also pointed to improvements in banking access, with new branch and ATM services launched by the Maldives Islamic Bank to serve both Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo residents.

During Wednesday’s events, passport issuance services were introduced in Hulhudhoo, while both passport and ID card services were launched in Meedhoo. The government also signed agreements to expand the Hulhudhoo-Meedhoo Health Center into a hospital and to construct a new building for Seenu Atoll School.

Despite these announcements, questions remain about the government’s ability to deliver on its major infrastructure promises. Nearly two years into President Muizzu’s term, key pledges such as the Addu Bridge continue to progress largely on paper, with little to show on the ground.