The building previously used as Covid-19 isolation facility in Hulhumale' Phase 1 has been converted into a jail and officially opened today.

The new jail is located adjacent to the Criminal Court, in front of Tree Top Hospital. 

Hulhumale' Prison Director and Deputy Superintendent of Prisons Ahmed Jaadhullah stated that the government is undertaking several efforts to expand capacity due to the closure of the Male' Prison on Boduthakurufaanu Magu. 

The new jail, when completed, will have the capacity to house 140 inmates. The cell block which was brought into use today can itself house 16 inmates. 

Jaadhullah said that the entire complex is expected to reach completion by September this year. 

According to Corrections Media Officer Aminath Yusreen Ahmed, each unit will comprise five cell blocks, and all inmate cells are air-conditioned and built to a good standard. 

Inmates engaged in various work in the Male' area will be housed at this facility. Yusreen added that Corrections Officers will work collaboratively with inmates at this facility. 

Having such a facility in the Male' area also provides convenience when inmates at other prisons need to be brought to the capital for medical treatment, she added. 

The Male' Prison is used as a transit jail. However, some serving sentences, as well as some held in remand until end of trial are also housed at the facility. 

The Male' Prison was shut down after part of it was given to adjacent Dharumavantha School to build a multipurpose hall.