Demolition of Male' Prison has begun to make way for the construction of a new hall for Dharumavantha School, Education Minister Dr Ismail Shafeeu said today.

Parents raised concerns about the lack of a school hall when Dharumavantha School opened in 2023. The Education Ministry had previously planned to relocate the prison, which is adjacent to the school, and construct a hall on the site. However, the land was not available when the school opened due to various issues.

The prison was closed the following year, while prisoners were relocated last year.

Speaking to state broadcaster PSM, Minister Shafeeu said the prison site had now been handed over to a party for demolition.

The government intends to build a modern, multipurpose hall on the site, Shafeeu said.

“When a hall is built, it will be a quality hall. It will be the most modern hall in Male'. In terms of its size as well, it will be developed so it can be used for different purposes,” he said.

Izzuddin School, located opposite Dharumavantha School, has also been closed, with its students now attending Dharumavantha.

The new building of Dharumavantha School, the latest school building developed in Male', does not have a hall. The area between the old and new blocks is currently used as a recreational space with artificial turf, while other vacant areas inside the school are also being used for activities.