Finance Ministry has denied releasing any funds to fast-track the Thila-Male' bridge project as media reports surface on the matter.
A local online newspaper had reported that the government had released USD 1.2 million (MVR 185 million) to the Indian contractor, Afcons to expedite the Greater Male' connectivity project and that the funds were released outside of the project contract.
The report further said that Afcons had announced that it would be able to finish the project by July because it received the funds from the Maldivian government.
It also said that the government had been conditioned to pay the rest of the money, once the bridge is connected to Villimale.
When questioned on the matter by 'The Press', the Communications Director at the Finance Ministry said that the Ministry had not released any funds to Afcon company.
But the official confirmed that discussions have been held on the matter and officials are yet to come to an agreement on the matter. The official added that the amount to be paid is also being discussed.
The Greater Male’ Connectivity –Male’ to Thilafushi Link Project is a 6.7km sea crossing link from the south-west corner of Male’, running adjacent to the south shore of Villingili, then along the southern periphery of reclaimed land on Gulhifalhu, and terminating on land at Thilafushi
The project scope includes the construction of three navigation bridges, viaducts, and on-grade roads. The project is funded through a 400 million dollar line of credit from Indian EXIM Bank and by a 100 million dollar grant from the government of India.
Last August the government signed a contract with India's Afcon Insfrasture to build the ThilaMale' bridge which is touted as the greater infrastructure project ever undertaken in the Maldives
