Ferry built to transport corpses, no more burials in Male’

Ministry of Islamic Affairs has announced that a custom ferry has been built to transport corpses from Male’ to Hulhumale’ for burial, and that it will be in service before end of 2016.

It had been decided that people who died in Male’, Vilimale’ and Hulhumale’ would be buried in Hulhumale’ Cemetry starting March of 2016, but bodies continued to be buried in Male’ Cemetery – which is filled to the capacity – over transport issues.

Deputy Minister of Islamic Affairs, Mohamed Musthafa reported that the ferry to transport the dead for burial was complete, and would be in full service before end of 2016.

“Burial arrangements will be changed to Hulhumale’ very soon. Truth is there’s not enough space,” said Musthafa.

He said the burial arrangements – being made by Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital and Housing Development Corporation – would continue uninterrupted this time.

Deputy CEO of IGMH, Mohamed Rishwan reported earlier that patients who die in the hospital will be transported via ambulance to the Hulhule’ ferry for MVR 60, transported to

Hulhule’ on the MTCC ferry for MVR 608, and transported from Hulhule’ to Hulhumale’ Cemetery for MVR 160.

He said that those who had Aasandha coverage did not have to pay for the transport.

Director of HDC, Ahmed Mirshan reported that the Hulhumale’ Cemetery had the capacity for 8,800 bodies which can be buried in two layers.

HDC estimates the cemetery can be used for the next six years.