Chinese government gifts ACs for ‘Cool School’ project

The government of China has gifted ACs for ‘Cool School’ project aimed at installing air conditioning systems in public schools across the Maldives.

The ACs were handed over by Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives Wang Lixin during a special ceremony held on Tuesday. Education Minister Dr. Ismail Shafeeu received the items.

According to the Education Ministry, the gifted ACs will be installed at Hulhumale’ Center for Higher Secondary Education (CHSE). However, the Ministry did not disclose the number of ACs gifted by the Chinese government.

The government launched the ‘Cool School’ project in June, during a ceremony held at K. Maafushi School.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Shafeeu acknowledged the installation of ACs will result in an increase in energy consumption at schools. 

In this regard, he said the government expects a 38 percent increase in spending on electricity bills. He added that solar panels will be installed at school under the second phase of the project to ensure at least 30 percent of the electricity is produced through renewable sources as instructed by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

Minister Shafeeu has said the installation of ACs across schools will introduce a new industry at each island due to the demand for technicians to carry out maintenance work which will open new job opportunities at islands.