300 capacity mosque valued at MVR 8.5M at Fehendhoo, a scarcely populated island

The government has contracted a private company to develop a mosque with a capacity of 300 worshippers at B. Fehendhoo, an island with a small population.

According to Maldives’ latest census, Fehendhoo’s residential population totals at 198.

The 206 projects awarded by the government without a competitive bidding process include a mosque, futsal stadium and an outdoor volleyball court in Fehendhoo.

In this regard, the mosque project valued at MVR 8.53 million was awarded to SASe Construction. Meanwhile, Maldives Assure Supply was awarded the futsal stadium project and outdoor volleyball project for MVR 1.78 million and MVR 1.28 million, respectively.

Fehendhoo Council President Jaadhulla Ali told Sun that the island has a registered population of 320. When asked about the current residential population of the island, he said he would need to confirm the information.

When asked if a mosque of that size was necessary for the island, Jaadhulla explained that it is needed despite the small registered population, as visitors from outside the island would also require space to pray.

Fehendhoo, an island with an extremely small population, is seeing a rise in local tourism.

Notably, the 206 projects also include an MVR 4 million waste and resource management centre in HDh. Hirimaradhoo – an island with an extremely small population – which President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has already decided would be relocated to Hanimaadhoo in the same atoll.

The government has defended the decision, citing that the project was initiated as people still reside on the island.

She added that essential services will be developed on the island for as long as people reside there.

Questionable projects were also launched across islands during the last MDP administration. These include the construction of a large harbor and a school on V. Rakeedhoo, an island with a population of around 60 people, most of whom are elderly.

Several projects awarded without a competitive process were contracted to companies linked to ruling PNC lawmakers. While the MDP has decided to pursue a court case over the issue, audit reports indicate that during its administration, the party also awarded projects to its own lawmakers without a bidding process.