Malé, Maldives – The Islamic Ministry of Maldives states that the delays in opening the King Salam Mosque in the Maldives is due to lack of vital resources.
A statement released by the Ministry says that while the building infrastructure is complete, there are still necessary elements missing from the mosque. Islamic Ministry also states that the delays in arrival of the Saudi Arabian delegation for the opening ceremony due to Covid-19 is another reason for the delay in opening the mosque.
The President of Maldives Ibrahim Mohamed Solih also gave the same reason for not opening the mosque, in a press conference. However, the President said that works are in progress to open the mosque unofficially after Ramadan.
The Malé Mayor elect and Vice President of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) has urged the government to open the mosque.
King Salman Mosque is a USD 25 million project started by the previous government, with the government of Saudi Arabia pledging USD 14.5 million for the project.
The mosque is expected to accommodate 4,000 people in congregational prayers on the first two floors, while the third floor is supposed to have classrooms and seminar rooms. The fourth floor will have a library and auditorium. A multipurpose hall is to be established at the fifth floor.
