The Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure has addressed inaccuracies in media reports concerning the death of a migrant worker.
Initial reports mistakenly linked the incident to the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge, also known as the Sinamalé Bridge. However, the Ministry clarified through a social media post that the event occurred at the Thilamalé bridge construction site and involved an Indian national.
The clarification came after the Maldives Police Service (MPS) erroneously reported that the deceased worker was involved in the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge project. According to the police, the Indian national had fainted and was subsequently rushed to Tree Top Hospital in Hulhumalé, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival. The police later corrected this initial account to reflect the accurate location and project associated with the incident.
The Construction Ministry, while correcting the initial reports, took the opportunity to extend its condolences to the family of the deceased. “The incident is currently being investigated by the relevant authorities with the support of the contractor,” stated the Ministry.
The deceased was a member of the workforce involved in the Thilamalé bridge project, a major infrastructure development designed to connect four islands in the Malé region. The bridge, spanning 6.7 kilometres and connecting Malé with Thilafushi Island, is contracted to India-based Afcons Infrastructure Ltd. and financed through a loan from the Indian Exim Bank.
Originally slated for completion by the end of 2024, the Thilamalé bridge project has encountered several delays, pushing the estimated completion date to the end of 2026.