The construction of a mosque in Hulhumalé, initiated by SJ Construction Pvt. Ltd. in January 2022, has experienced several delays due to administrative and logistical challenges. The Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, has provided a detailed timeline highlighting the project’s progress and setbacks.
Project Timeline:
- February 15, 2022: Land allocated for the mosque was officially handed over to SJ Construction.
- March 23, 2022: The company requested the Ministry to mark the Qibla direction, essential for the mosque’s orientation.
- November 20, 2022: After 252 days without a response, a second request was sent to the Ministry regarding the Qibla marking.
- December 18, 2022: The Ministry demarcated the plot; however, the Qibla direction was not marked.
- December 19, 2022: SJ Construction informed the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) that the Ministry’s plot demarcation was incorrect.
- January 2, 2023: The company notified the Ministry about financial losses due to work stoppages resulting from unresolved plot demarcation issues.
- January 24, 2023: An additional letter was sent due to no response to the earlier communication.
- January 3, 2023: Instructions were given to re-demarcate the plot and resume work.
- February 9, 2023: SJ Construction requested a resolution for discrepancies between the architectural drawings and the actual plot size.
- April 2, 2023: The setback issue was resolved, and the company was instructed to continue work.
- May 17, 2023: A foundation inspection was requested.
- May 28, 2023: A reminder was sent as the inspection had not been conducted.
- June 24, 2023: The foundation inspection was completed, and permission was granted for concrete pouring.
Minister Shaheem emphasized that construction resumed after significant delays following the current government’s tenure. He stated that the Ministry is actively working to expedite the mosque’s completion by addressing outstanding issues. The Minister also visited the construction site to assess challenges and facilitate solutions.
Addressing concerns about duty-free imports for the mosque’s construction, Minister Shaheem clarified that no duty exemptions have been granted for any materials imported since the project’s inception in 2022.
The mosque, a 35 million Maldivian Rufiyaa project, is being constructed with the assistance of SJ Construction Pvt. Ltd., reflecting a collaborative effort to enhance the religious infrastructure in Hulhumalé.
For more information on SJ Construction’s projects, visit their official website.
