SJ Construction contracted to build mosque at Hulhumale’ Phase II in place of Zikra Mosque

SJ Construction has been contracted to build a mosque at Hulhumale’ Phase II, in place of Zikra Mosque after solving the matter.

The agreement pertaining to the construction of the mosque was signed at a ceremony held at the Islamic Ministry today. Minister Dr. Ahmed Zahir Ali signed on behalf of Islamic Ministry – whereas Director Shihadh Ibrahim signed on behalf of SJ Construction.

Islamic Ministry said that the mosque will have the capacity to accommodate 3,000 worshippers at the same time. The value of the project is MVR 35 million.

When SJ Construction was contracted to build Zikra Mosque during former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom’s administration – the Company had paid MVR 30 million to the government as equity. The company had filed a claim at the Civil Court to recover this money.

Islamic Ministry’s media official Ismail Afrah told Sun that following discussions held between the Ministry and SJ Construction – they had come to an agreement subsequent to which the matter has been settled outside of court with advice from the Attorney General’s Office.

SJ Construction has agreed to let them construct a mosque at Hulhumale’ for MVR 30 million.

SJ Construction was contracted to build a mosque at the land plot where Zikra Mosque was situated at, in addition to a ten-story building in 2018. However, the agreement was terminated after current President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih assumed office.

The agreement was terminated as there were suspicions of corruption pertaining to it.

Two individuals were charged with corruption, including former Islamic Minister Dr. Ahmed Ziyadh Bagir, over the case. However, Criminal Court found them not guilty.

A temporary mosque has been built at Zikra Mosque premise by the government as the construction of the mosque being delayed has caused difficulties for people living in the area.