Telethon for mosque fund begins

A special telethon has begun today, by TV channels, radio channels and online newspapers in Maldives to raise money for mosques.

The fund was inaugurated by Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed at a ceremony at Islamic Centre today.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Shaheem said that the money collected by the fund will be spent according to regulations, to build and renovate mosques in islands. He assured that the money will be used only for these purposes.

He said that the telethon is organised to renovate and purchase equipment for mosques before Ramadan.

He also said that money received earlier by the mosque fund has been budgeted for the renovation of 17 mosques, and proposals have been made to renovate 31 mosques in 31 islands.

He added that requests for financial assistance should be accompanied by financial estimates as stated in the regulations, to speed up the process.

“Mosques on several islands require complete renovation. We can’t take a step backwards. The assistance and cooperation of Maldivian citizens so far in these matters have been remarkable,” Shaheem said.

He said that a family in Male’ donated Rf50,000 today, following a request by citizens of Aa. Mathiveri to add a veranda to the island mosque.

The telethon will continue until Saturday. More than Rf2,000,000 has been donated to the mosque fund so far.