On December 24, 2023, the President's Office announced that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, under the recommendation of the Cabinet, has decided to begin a new project to establish social centers for senior citizens.

"The first social centre will be established within the old Centre for Holy Quran premises in Malé. Additional social centres will be established throughout the islands, working with the Ministries of Sports, Fitness and Recreation, Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts, and Health, among other relevant parties," the President's Office said on its website on December 25. The decision was also announced at a press briefing after the Cabinet meeting.

This decision followed discussions on a paper submitted by the Ministry of Social Development and Family. The President's Office did not publicize the paper. The information provided by the government does not state that such a project had already been underway. Therefore, the Cabinet decision of December 24, 2023, can be considered as the beginning of a new project.

Project commencement

On February 16, 2023, former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih announced his intention to establish social centers for senior citizens in Male' and other parts of the country to provide an environment where they can meet and have a pleasant time.

He made the statement in his address at the function in Dharubaaruge to confer the National Award for Public Service.

The project commenced with that announcement and relevant institutions began efforts to complete the project.

Renovation of the center for senior citizens. -- Photo: Abdulla Iyan/ Adhadhu

Choosing the old Centre for Holy Quran

The former government decided to develop the center for senior citizens at the building of the old Quran Center located on Ameer Ahmed Magu. The project began early last year. By the end of Solih's administration in November 2023, the center was renovated and the entire building was nearing completion. Solih's government attempted but was unsuccessful in inaugurating the center before the end of the term.

The government had given the assurance to the senior citizens association before announcing that a center for senior citizens would be built in the building of the old Quran Center. A senior official of the association confirmed this to Adhadhu.

Due to these reasons, it can be confirmed that the center for senior citizens in the building of the old Quran Center is not a new project launched by the current administration.