Not All Schools to Get AC Before Second Term: Minister Shafeeu

The government’s project to install air conditioning (AC) in all schools across the Maldives will not be completed by the start of the second school term, according to Minister of Education Dr. Ismail Shafeeu.

The minister said efforts are underway to install AC systems in as many schools as possible before the second term begins. However, he acknowledged that the project cannot be completed in all schools by then.

The project was originally intended to be completed before the start of the current academic year.

Speaking in Parliament today in response to a question from Hithadhoo Central MP Azan, the minister said that of the 217 schools operating across the Maldives, 61 percent have already had their air conditioning systems installed. He also noted that the required AC units for the remaining schools have already been delivered.

According to the minister, the main reason for the delay is the condition of the electrical infrastructure in many schools. He explained that several school buildings are 35 to 45 years old and still operate on single-phase electrical systems, which cannot support the new air conditioning units.

As a result, the government is currently upgrading the electrical systems in those schools to ensure they can safely operate the AC units. The minister added: “We want to complete this project as quickly as possible. However, there are practical challenges that need to be addressed. Even with those challenges, our target is to complete the work in as many schools as possible before the second term begins.”

Earlier, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu had stated that the government would use all available resources to ensure every school in the Maldives is equipped with air conditioning.

The “Cool School” project was launched after students and teachers raised concerns about classroom conditions during the President’s visits to islands across the country.

The project was initially awarded to Fenaka Corporation for MVR 55 million. Later, the contract was transferred to STELCO (State Electric Company Limited) for MVR 58.4 million.