Fenaka Corporation Limited has stated that, in addition to the Greater Male’ region, air-conditioning units will be installed in 11 schools throughout the atolls by mid-March.
These schools form the first batch to be air conditioned under the “Cool Schools” initiative. Fenaka Corporation Limited, the state-owned utility company, has begun the practical work for this programme in January.
Speaking to PSM News, the company has detailed that 12 schools in the Greater Male’ area have been equipped with ACs. Furthermore, classrooms of Dharumavantha School, and Rehendhi School are at 60 percent completion, while Huravee School is at 30 percent of AC fixtures. Meanwhile, surveys are being carried out to install ACs in classrooms of Ghaazee School.
The work to fit AC units in classrooms of 11 different atolls is progressing as follows: Fuvahmulah city (80 percent), Addu City, Faafu Atoll and Dhaalu Atoll (70 percent), Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll (40 percent), Gaafu Alif Atoll (10 percent), Lhaviyani Atoll (5 percent). The remaining four atolls, Kaafu Atoll, Alif Alif Atoll, Alif Dhaalu Atoll and Vaavu atoll have been surveyed, with preparations underway to equip ACs.
Some schools require electric upgrades prior to carrying out this initiative, with work being done to find solutions to these issues.
The second phase of the “Cool Schools” initiative works to fit AC units in hallways, in addition to the current installations in classrooms and staff rooms.
This initiative was first launched in 2024, focused on cooling all classrooms in government schools. This project, carried out by the Ministry of Education under the directive of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, aims to alleviate difficulties faced by students and teachers due to excess heat, creating a long-term solution for this issue.