Shaheem declines to explain awarding mosque projects to Fenaka

Aug 4, 2026, 12:27 PM
Minister Shaheem in Parliament today

Minister Shaheem in Parliament today

Islamic Minister Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has declined to answer questions in Parliament regarding why Fenaka Corporation—a state-owned utility provider for water, sewerage, and electricity—was awarded a project to construct 11 mosques across the country.

The inquiry was raised by Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir, who questioned the rationale behind awarding mosque construction to Fenaka. However, Shaheem refused to provide an explanation, asserting that the query was irrelevant to the topic scheduled for today’s session.

"Since that question does not directly pertain to the island of Kudarikilu, I believe it can be answered in another setting. Thank you very much," Shaheem stated.

In posing the question, MP Mauroof highlighted that Construction Minister Abdulla Muththalib had informed Parliament just yesterday that Fenaka lacked the capacity even for sewerage projects. He questioned whether such a company possessed any experience in mosque construction.

During yesterday’s parliamentary session, Muththalib explained that the sewerage project in Shaviyani Narudhoo had stalled because Fenaka did not have the technical capacity to execute the work.

The mosque construction projects were awarded to Fenaka in March 2025. The company was tasked with building mosques with a capacity for 500 worshippers in Haa Alif Baarah, Haa Dhaal Nellaidhoo, Shaviyani Noomara, Noonu Henbadhoo, Raa Inguraidhoo, Baa Maalhos, Baa Kudarikilu, Alif Alif Feridhoo, Thaa Veymandoo, Thaa Hirilandhoo, and Addu Feydhoo.

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