Gov’t Allocates MVR 19 Million for Mosque Renovations, Says Islamic Minister

Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, disclosed that the government has allocated MVR 19 million towards the renovation of mosques across the Maldives since assuming office.

During a press conference held yesterday, Dr. Shaheem stated that out of this sum, MVR 15 million was drawn from the state budget, with the remaining MVR 4 million sourced from the Mosque Fund.

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Moreover, Dr. Shaheem highlighted that upon assuming office, several outstanding bills related to mosque repairs, amounting to MVR 27 million, had not been settled by the previous administration. He noted efforts by the current administration to address these financial obligations, with progress made in clearing outstanding bills incurred during the preceding government’s tenure.

The establishment of a national assembly dedicated to mosques stands as a cornerstone of the current administration’s manifesto. Dr. Shaheem confirmed during the press briefing that such an assembly has been formed.

Additionally, Dr. Shaheem asserted that 42 mosque renovation projects are currently underway under the oversight of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs.

MVR 6 Million Needed to Fix King Salman Mosque’s Air Conditioning Woes, Says Minister 

Dr. Shaheem also disclosed that a sum of MVR 6 million is necessary to address the air conditioning challenges plaguing the King Salman Mosque, situated in Malé, the capital of Maldives.

Addressing reporters at a press briefing organised by the Islamic Ministry, Minister Shaheem elaborated on the persisting air conditioning issues at the mosque, generously funded by Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the King of Saudi Arabia.

He further conveyed that efforts are underway to secure the requisite funding to rectify the matter.