The "Cool School" project to install air conditioners in classrooms of all government schools was launched today.

Under the project, the installation of air conditioners in Maafushi island school began today. The work is being done under the initiative of the island council by the Maafushi Local Authority Company.

Maafushi council President Ali Mohamed said the project is expected to be completed by the end of this month.

The project was inaugurated by Education Minister Dr. Ismail Shafeeu at a special ceremony held in Maafushi today. Speaking at the ceremony, the minister said the project is aimed at improving the school environments.

He said that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has instructed to ensure that 30 percent of the electricity supplied to air conditioners under the project be generated using renewable energy such as solar panels.

He added that all government schools across the country will be air-conditioned over the next two years.

President Muizzu ordered the air-conditioning of classrooms while speaking in Haa Dhaal Makunudhoo on February 27.

The Education Ministry decided on May 13 to install air conditioners in all government schools with the help of the community after the public raised concerns over Jamaluddin School requesting parents' assistance to install fans in classrooms.

Chancellor of the Maldives National University (MNU) Hassan Hameed estimates the project will cost MVR 600 million for the installation of air conditioners and MVR 178.5 million per year for maintenance and bills.