Cat shelter operations to be outsourced via public tender for a one-year period
5 އޯގަސްޓު 2026 | ބުދަ 10:55The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources has opened a bidding process to find a private party to manage the "Olhu Hiyaa" cat shelter in Hulhumalé for a one-year period. Interested parties have until November 13 to submit their proposals, with the government committing to provide the necessary technical assistance and resources to the selected contractor. While the day-to-day operations will be outsourced, the Ministry will retain responsibility for the facility's administrative oversight and the systematic relocation of cats to the shelter.
From the opening ceremony of the Pet Care Facility. | President's Office
Proposals have been invited for the management and operation of the newly developed cat shelter in Hulhumalé Phase 2 under a competitive bidding process.
The "Olhu Hiyaa" Pet Care Facility, developed by the Male' City Council to provide a permanent solution to the increasing stray cat population in the capital, was officially inaugurated during a ceremony held on November 2, 2024.
However, the government has now opened a public tender seeking a party to manage and operate the 'Olhu Hiyaa' cat shelter.
Interested parties are required to attend an information session at the Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture, and Marine Resources at 10:00 AM on Sunday, August 9. Following this, proposals must be submitted to the Ministry by 11:00 AM on August 13, allowing for a short turnaround period.
According to an announcement released by the Ministry on Tuesday, bidders are required to submit a bid security if the proposed cost for operating the cat shelter exceeds MVR 500,000. Furthermore, the selected party must provide a performance guarantee equivalent to 2 percent of the total contract value. The announcement also specifies that advance payments may be issued for proposals exceeding MVR 250,000.
The successful bidder will be awarded the management of the Olhuhiyaa shelter for a period of one year.
The Ministry stated that it will provide the party managing the 'Olhu Hiyaa' shelter with dedicated office space, as well as the necessary equipment and supplies required for shelter operations—excluding food and litter. Additionally, the Ministry committed to providing all necessary technical advice and guidance.
While the government intends to outsource the management of the cat shelter to a private party for a fee, the Ministry has stated that it will directly oversee the efforts to relocate stray cats from the streets of Malé to the "Olhu Hiyaa" facility. The Ministry further clarified that it will retain responsibility for the facility's administrative management, security, and clinic operations. Additionally, the Ministry will manage adoption programs, organize fairs and camps, and maintain the facility's inventory and stock.
