MVR 6 million is required to fix the air conditioning issues faced at King Salman Mosque which is located in Malé, the capital of Maldives, said Islamic Minister Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed today.
Speaking at a press conference held by the Islamic Ministry, Minister Shaheem detailed that the air conditioning issues at the mosque which was funded by Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the King of Saudi Arabia, has prolonged without being resolved.
He added that the Ministry is currently in the process of securing the funds required to fix the issue.
The King Salman mosque was brought to operation in 2021. However, less than six months later, three of the four air conditioning units used to cool the two floors of the mosque started malfunctioning. At the time, the Maldivian government brought Turkish technicians to repair the devices, citing that the country did not have people who could do the job.
However, Minister Shaheem said today that a meeting was recently held with local experts who would be able to repair the air conditions.
Although it has been three years since King Salman Mosque has been in use, the mosque still has not been officially opened. The government's plan is to hold the inaugural ceremony of the mosque after Eid-al-Adha, with the participation of a senior Saudi official.
However, there are many renovations required before this, said Minister Shameem. He explained that some doors of the mosque as well as other areas of the mosque require major repairs.
But the air conditioning is of priority due to the excessive heat experienced in the Maldives as of recent, he added.
The USD 24.95 mosque was constructed by Turkish company Turkmaks Alke, the same company who were also contracted to develop Treetop Hospital in Hulhumalé.
Sign In