Chinese company awarded contract to build 15-storey MNDF facility

The Ministry of Defence has awarded a contract to a Chinese company to construct a 15-storey accommodation and logistics facility for the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) at Kalhuthukkalaakoshi, with the project scheduled for completion within two years.

The project, titled the Integrated Accommodation and Logistics Building, has been awarded to China's RhoTime Engineering and Technology Corporation Limited.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced plans to develop infrastructure to strengthen the MNDF's operational capabilities and facilities during his Presidential Address earlier this year.

The agreement for the project was signed at a ceremony held at Bandaarakoshi on Monday.

Deputy Minister of Defence Fathimath Mizna Ali signed the agreement on behalf of the Ministry of Defence, while RhoTime Engineering and Technology Corporation Limited was represented by its Managing Director, Zhou Weidong.

According to the MNDF, the building will provide accommodation and logistics facilities required to support military operations.

The MNDF described the development as the largest infrastructure project undertaken in its history to address accommodation and logistical requirements.

The project will be implemented under a design-and-build arrangement, with the contractor responsible for both the design and construction of the facility.

The agreement requires the project to be completed within two years.

The MNDF has not disclosed further details of the development, including its cost or the capacity of the proposed building.