ACs installed across 61% of schools in two years as deadline for completion unclear

Education Minister Dr. Ismail Shafeeu, on Tuesday, that the government’s “Cool School” project has been completed across 61 percent of schools, with installation of air conditioning units expected to be completed in the majority of schools during the second term.

The initiative, which aims to improve classroom conditions in government schools through the installation of AC units, was officially launched two years ago on June 2, 2024.

In January last year, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to completing the AC installation project. At the time, he had set a target to complete the initiative by September, estimating that the work would require a maximum period of eight months.

To support the implementation of the cooling project, the government contracted Fenaka Corporation last June to carry out the installations. Fenaka, a state-owned enterprise, is currently facing significant operational challenges.

Despite these efforts, the project was not completed within the previously announced timelines.

Responding to a question from Central Hithadhoo MP Ahmed Azaan Marzooq during Tuesday’s parliamentary session, Minister Shafeeu said AC installation has been completed in 61 percent of the 217 schools across the country.

The Minister added that ongoing efforts are focused on upgrading the electrical grids of the remaining schools, while confirming that all required AC units have already been delivered to the respective institutions.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to completing the project as quickly as possible.

"There are inherent challenges, but despite these obstacles, our target is to complete the work in the majority of schools by the beginning of the second term," Shafeeu stated.

However, the Minister did not provide a specific timeline for the full completion of the project.

The “Cool School” initiative was introduced under the leadership of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu with the aim of enhancing the learning environment by creating cooler classroom spaces.

The project is expected to increase electricity costs for schools. Addressing this concern previously, Minister Shafeeu stated that electricity expenditure is projected to rise by approximately 38 percent once the installations are fully operational. To reduce the impact of increased energy consumption, the President has directed that at least 30 percent of schools’ energy requirements be fulfilled through renewable energy sources.