Aasahara reopens after major redevelopment

The Machangolhi Cemetery, commonly known as the Aasahara, has been reopened on Friday after major redevelopment.

Aasahara was reopened by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu who had initiated the project during his tenure as Male’ City Mayor. The inauguration ceremony was followed by Friday prayers which was led by the President as the mosque, Masjidul Al-Ta'aawun.

The Aasahara closed for redevelopment in May last year. All burials in the capital were moved to the Hulhumale’ Cemetery. However, the mosque at the cemetery reopened earlier this month following completion of work on the first floor.

Following the complete reopening on Friday, funerals and burials will resume at the cemetery.

Male’ City Council has said that the redevelopment project cost MVR 11.6 million, and will increase the size of the cemetery to 3,200 square feet.

Mayor Adam Azim noted that the project had been a costly one. He said the council paid over MVR 3 million to the first contractor, and another MVR 5 million to the second contractor.

Haiman Construction Pvt. Ltd, which took over for finishing works, was paid another MVR 2.7 million.

The City Council previously said that under the project, the capacity at the mosque will increase from 120 to 350 worshippers.

The project involved:

• Building a designated prayer space for women on the first floor
• Shifting the ambulance entry and exit to the back gate
• Development of three VIP lounges with a capacity for 35 people, equipped with two toilets, a designated toilet for people with disabilities, and a breastfeeding room