Who is the Mastermind Behind the Sinamalé Bridge?

Amid ongoing political debates over who deserves credit as the true mastermind behind the construction of the Sinamalé Bridge (China-Maldives Friendship Bridge), former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb has shared key details regarding the project via social media.

Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has repeatedly claimed that he arranged all aspects necessary for the bridge’s construction. Meanwhile, the current President, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, maintains that he oversaw all practical and operational work on the landmark project in his capacity as the Housing Minister at the time. However, Adeeb stated that the project’s successful completion was achieved through the collaborative efforts of himself, Dr. Muizzu, current Housing Minister Dr. Abdulla Muththalib, and other dedicated team members.

In a video post, Adeeb asserted that during the critical negotiation phase of the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge, President Yameen was preoccupied with playing cards or traveling to Singapore for personal business. Adeeb noted that securing a meeting with President Yameen to discuss the bridge was exceptionally difficult during that period.

Addressing the bridge’s structural design, Adeeb clarified that the decision to exclude a dedicated bicycle lane from the Sinamalé Bridge was not made by Dr. Muizzu, but was a direct decision made by former President Yameen himself.

Furthermore, Adeeb accused former President Yameen of being the true architect behind the massive MMPRC corruption scandal. Adeeb claimed that the illicit funds and assets were held under Yameen’s direct control, alleging that both he and former MMPRC Managing Director Abdulla Ziyath were framed in connection with the scandal.