Government deceives Milandhoo residents ahead of Ramadan by demolishing local mosque under the pretense of constructing a temporary replacement
The local council has expressed concern that despite the government's commitment to construct an Islamic center on the island, there is little hope the project will be completed within the designated timeframe.
The site of the mosque demolished to make way for the construction of an Islamic Center in Milandhoo. | RaajjeMV | Raajje MV
The Milandhoo Island Council has commenced the construction of a temporary mosque after the government informed them at the last minute that it would not fulfill its promise to build one. The situation arose following the hasty demolition of the island's well-maintained, air-conditioned mosque ahead of President Muizzu’s visit to the island.
Speaking to RaajjeMV, Milandhoo Council Member Ahmed Shiyam stated that although President Muizzu had pledged to build a temporary mosque to replace the one that was demolished, the council has now begun converting the island’s Quran Center into a temporary prayer space after it became clear the government would not fulfill its promise. Shiyam further noted that this project is being funded entirely by the council's own budget, without any assistance from the government.
The government initially claimed that MTCC would handle this project. However, MTCC has now confirmed that they are unable to carry it out. This failure will cause significant difficulties for the public.Ahmed Shiyam, Member of the Milandhoo Council
Furthermore, Shiyam stated that the government's actions would cause significant hardship for the residents of Milandhoo. He added that since a new mosque cannot be constructed in such a short period ahead of Ramadan, efforts are currently underway to convert the local Quran Centre into a temporary mosque.
Shiyam stated that despite President Muizzu’s pledge during his visit to demolish the mosque and construct an Islamic Center in its place, the current pace of work offers no hope that the government will complete the project within the promised timeframe.
It is noted that this is not the only mosque demolished by the Muizzu administration in this manner. A beautiful mosque in Sh. Foakaidhoo was also razed after the government pledged to replace it with an Islamic Center. This has caused immense hardship for the local community, forcing residents to perform their prayers in the school hall.
