On Friday, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, Minister of Islamic Affairs, announced plans to establish permanent mosques in Hulhumale’ Phase 2. These mosques will collectively hold 9,000 worshippers. By the onset of Ramadan this year, a mosque with a capacity of 1,400 will be ready for use.
Hulhumale’ Phase 2 is rapidly growing in population within the Maldives. Minister Saeed, after inspecting the construction sites in Hulhumale’, revealed that five permanent mosques are being constructed by various private entities.
The first of these, built by Muni Homecare, a prominent local construction and furniture firm, will open before Ramadan, starting March 11. It will accommodate 1,400 people.
Dr. Shaheem mentioned that the remaining mosques are expected to be completed post-Ramadan, with a two-year timeline for all projects. He praised the significant investments made by private companies in this initiative.
The planned mosques include:
- Muni Homecare: 1,400 capacity, opening before Ramadan.
- SJ Construction: 3,000 capacity.
- ‘Gadhage’ Ahmed Saleem and family: 1,160 capacity.
- A privately sponsored mosque: 700 capacity.
- Sun Front: 2,800 capacity.
Additionally, a temporary mosque by HDC is currently in place, accommodating 100 people. All except HDC’s mosque are intended to be permanent structures.
Minister Shaheem underscored the shift from temporary to permanent mosques in Hulhumale’, in line with President Muizzu’s objectives. He anticipates that upon completion, Phase 2 will boast aesthetically pleasing and fully functional mosques.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs is pushing for the swift completion of these mosques, with some scheduled to open this Ramadan and others afterwards. Dr. Shaheem expressed confidence in the quality and design of these new mosques, noting that Hulhumale’ 2, currently served by two temporary and one permanent mosque, is set to become a ward with some of the most beautiful mosques in the Maldives.