Housing Ministry to start Rasfannu renovations

Ministry of Housing and Construction has taken over the renovation of Rasfannu Beach with plans to start work next Saturday.

In a statement, the ministry said the work would be finished by the end of the month, during which the facility would be closed to the public.

An official from the ministry said the they would be employing the assistance of companies, and that they would cover all areas which need repairing.

Construction Minister Dr Abdulla Muthhalib told local media outlet Mihaaru that the decision for the ministry to take over the project was discussed with Malé City Council and mutually agreed upon.

"It is a decision we took with the council's blessing," the minister said.

Earlier, however, the council announced that they were getting ready to renovate the beach and Sultan Park after President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu tweeted highlighting the deteriorated condition of the two locations. The president's remarks were made after visiting Rasfannu and Sultan Park with his family.

The council also said that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had issued all necessary environmental permits to replenish the sand at Rasfannu. According to the council the contractor which was awarded the project was set to start working on the site next week.