Mayor: Male’ area cemeteries might reach capacity in two years

Male’ City Mayor Adam Azim has underscored the possibility of cemeteries in Male’ area reaching full capacity in the next two years.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu visit Male City Council on Sunday and held discussions regarding issues that need to be resolved in Male’ City.

During this meeting, Mayor Azim shared the Council’s concerns with the President. One such concern highlighted in this trajectory, was regarding cemeteries reaching capacity. He detailed that Hulhumale’ Cemetry is expected to reach full capacity within the next months or so, while underscoring the possibility of all cemeteries in Male’ area reaching full capacity in the next two years.

“We estimate the cemeteries to reach full capacity within two years. Thus, we need enough space to accommodate 150,000 graves from places such as Hulhumale’ Phase II and Gulhifalhu,” he said.

Mayor Azim said space needs to be created in order to bury the deceased from Male’ area in the future. He emphasized the possibility of needing to travel to another location via sea or any mode of transportation if space cannot be created from the locations which will be linked via bridge in Male’ area.

In response, President Muizzu noted that the land use plan can always be changed, adding the Council can amend the plan if there is not enough space for projects the Council wishes to undertake.

As an example, he pointed out the issue of space constraints surrounding cemeteries. In this regard, President Muizzu explained that the Council can discuss with Planning Ministry to amend the land use plan in order to create space for cemeteries.

“Other steps include ways to increase the usage, if its respect to the remaining two cemeteries. There is also seeking all possible ways to increase space in cemeteries previously used,” he said, adding cemeteries can also be increased in Male’ area to resolve the issue as Council have the discretion to use the land for their needs.

Notably, 'Aasaharaa', which houses the 'Aasaharaa' mosque and Male’ City’s primary cemetery, has been closed for renovations since May of last year. Henceforth, people that die in Male’ City are buried in Hulhumale’ cemetery.

Mayor Azim, in June, said the renovation will be completed in August.

The project valued at over MVR 10 million includes:

• Praying area specifically for women on the first floor
• Ambulance entry relocated to the cemetery's rear gate
• Development of three lounges atop funeral house - each able to accommodate 35 people
• Each lounge will feature two toilets and designated areas for breastfeeding mothers
• Special lavatory for persons with special needs