Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Ahmed Zahir Ali has revealed all mosques in Maldives will be air-conditioned before 2021. Ministry of Islamic Affairs commenced the project to install air-conditions in mosques during March this year.
Speaking to PSM News regarding the progress of the project, Islamic Minister Dr. Ahmed Zahir said all mosques will be air-conditioned within two and a half years. The minister added easier means for women to pray in mosques will also be arranged, as part of the project.
The first mosque to undergo air-conditioning as part of the initiation was the mosque in Dharanboodhoo in Faafu Atoll. Under the first phase of the project 10 mosques across Maldives will be air-conditioned using renewable energy sources.
The government has allocated USD 970,499 for the project. Moreover, the administration aims utilize renewable energy sources in operating air-conditions in 80 percent of the mosques by 2023.
While there are over 600 mosques across the country, only about 218 mosques are air-conditioned.