The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has awarded contracts to two companies to resume mosque construction projects on two islands where work had stalled. The companies were awarded the completion of mosques in Muraidhoo, Alifu Atoll, and Gemanafushi, Gaafu Alifu Atoll.
The former government originally awarded the construction of both mosques to Evosun Maldives Pvt Ltd. However, due to various reasons, the work was delayed and most of the work remained incomplete.
To resume progress, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs has now awarded the contracts to two companies to complete building the mosques. The Muraidhoo mosque was awarded to the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company, while the Road Development Corporation (RDC) was awarded the contract for the construction of the mosque in Gemanafushi.
Each mosque will accommodate up to 300 worshippers, and will include an ablution area, a minaret, a library, landscaped grounds, and boundary walls. Both mosques are designed to generate electricity from renewable energy sources.
The mosques are funded by the state budget at a total cost of USD 7.7 million. The construction in Muraidhoo is scheduled to be completed within 365 days, while the Gemanafushi mosque is to be completed within 240 days.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs said 13 mosques are scheduled to be opened across the country this year, including an Islamic Centre in Dhidhdhoo, Haa Alifu Atoll. The Ministry said projects will be awarded for the construction of Islamic Centres in four islands and mosques in ten islands within the year.