Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Ahmed Zahir revealed that King Salman Mosque, constructed with Saudi aid, will open in July.
According to the Islamic minister, the construction of King Salman Mosque, which commenced three years ago, was delayed by the contractor due to difficulties in attaining required funds.
In an interview given to local media Mihaaru, Minister Zahir admitted that the deadline to complete the mosque had passed.
Additionally, he stated that the Turkish company tasked with the project guaranteed completion of the mosque by July.
"However, there might be further setbacks if there is a delay in payments".
The mosque, which is being constructed to five storeys, is worth USD 24 million (MVR 370 millon).
Accusations have surfaced that the mosque was not built as initially planned, with photos of King Salman Mosque alongside its original blueprints being circulated on social media.
Minister Zahir denied these accusations, stating that the building was being constructed in accordance to its blueprints.
However, he stated that some alterations were brought to the storeys allocated for prayer.
Due to the alterations, storeys one and two are now allocated for prayer while, originally, the prayer congregations were to be allocated to the fifth floor as well.
Minister Zahir noted that the changes were brought as "the third and fourth floors come in-between the fifth and second floors", and it seemed more feasible to have praying allocated for the lower floors only.
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