Hulhumale’, Maldives – The non-recurrent expenditure for the cat shelter in Hulhumale’ is expected to reach MVR 1.2 billion, according to Animal Welfare Minister Dr. Maryam Maria.
Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, Minister Maria responded to a question from Galolhu North MP Mohamed Ibrahim. She said the MVR 1.2 billion cost excludes regular operating expenses. The Ministry also revealed that caring for the cats will require significant ongoing funding.
“The monthly maintenance cost for the care of 2,000 cats is about MVR 700,000,” Maria said. “Every three months, the total will be around MVR 3.4 million, with an annual estimate of MVR 10.8 billion.”
She added that the overall budget for the shelter is MVR 368 million per month, which amounts to MVR 5,416 per cat each year.
The Ministry officially took over the shelter’s operations in February. At that time, the facility lacked proper equipment and was not ready to provide adequate care, Maria said.
The government now aims to upgrade and maintain the shelter to meet required standards.
