Maldives Builds Its First Cross-Sea Bridge

Maldives has begun construction on its first cross-sea bridge, a project that symbolizes the nation's growing economic and infrastructure development. The China-Maldives Friendship Bridge will connect the capital city of Malé to the airport island of Hulhulé, spanning a distance of 2km. The bridge is expected to greatly improve transportation between the two islands, allowing for increased traffic and tourism.

The project is a joint effort between the Maldives government and the China Harbour Engineering Company. The total cost of the bridge is estimated at $200 million, with China providing approximately 80% of the funding. Construction is expected to take approximately 30 months, with completion scheduled for July 2018.

The bridge itself will be an impressive feat of engineering, featuring a unique design that combines both cable-stayed and pre-stressed concrete box girder elements. It will also be wide enough to accommodate vehicles, pedestrians, and bicycles, expanding transportation options for locals and tourists alike.

The China-Maldives Friendship Bridge is just one of many joint ventures between China and the Maldives in recent years. China has become one of the Maldives' top sources of foreign investment, with Chinese tourists comprising a significant portion of the nation's tourism industry. The bridge is expected to further enhance the economic partnership between the two countries.

However, not everyone is happy about the bridge's construction. Environmentalists have expressed concern about the potential impact of the project on local marine ecosystems, as well as the potential displacement of marine life. The Maldives' delicate environment is already heavily impacted by climate change, with sea level rise and ocean acidification threatening the nation's tourism industry and even its very existence.

Despite these concerns, the government of the Maldives is committed to ensuring the bridge's construction adheres to environmental standards and safeguards the nation's natural resources. It has also emphasized the importance of the bridge for the nation's economic development and the improved quality of life for its citizens.

As the Maldives takes this major step forward in its infrastructure development, it will be interesting to see what other similar projects will arise in the future. With its unique geography, the Maldives presents both challenges and opportunities for innovative engineering and sustainable development.