Foundation laid for Male' waqf building

The foundation for the waqf building "Dhaarul Argam", being built by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, has been laid today.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu also attended this ceremony, which was held this afternoon.

The foundation was laid by Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed and contractor Rasheed Carpentry and Construction (RCC) Deputy Managing Director Adam Raheem.

The "Dhaarul Argam" building will be located next to Islanders Pre-School, where the empty plot is on Buruzu Magu.

The ministry said that the building is designed to be 12 storeys high, and equipped with modern facilities. The basement and ground floor will be dedicated as parking space, and the reception will be housed on the first floor.

The second floor will have a conference hall. Floors up to 12 will have modern office facilities and meeting rooms. The building will also have a prayer room. The rooftop will be an open terrace, the ministry said.

The ministry also said that the building's lift will have the ability for those who may require special assistance. 

RCC was contracted to complete development of the building within 540 days. The project, funded through BML Islamic Finance, is expected to cost MVR 39,463,545.08.

The ministry estimates that this new Waqf building will have an annual revenue of MVR 10 million. 20 percent of revenue is to be deposited to the Zakat House, while the remaining 80 percent will go to the Islamic Waqf Fund, the ministry said.

The project is a part of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's pledge, and is a part of projects meant  to increase Maldives' Waqf Fund and to increase financial resources for the Islamic sector.

The government has also decided to build a waqf building in Hulhumale' and a waqf building specific for Quran in Male'. RCC has also been awarded the work to construct a waqf building in Hulhumale'.

The government has also decided to move forward with waqf projects in Addu City, Fuvahmulah, GDh, Thinadhoo, HDh. Kulhudhuffushi and GA. Villingili.