Two parties show interest in managing Olhu Hiyaa cat facility

Two parties have expressed interest in managing Olhu Hiyaa, the cat care facility set up to take care of stray cats populating the streets in the Male' area.

Initially, Male' City Council was to manage the facility built through their budget. However, in December last year, the cabinet decided to transfer management of the facility to the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare.

Earlier this month, the ministry announced seeking interested parties to manage the facility in collaboration with the ministry. A media official from the ministry said that two parties had expressed interest by the deadline of June 12. They said that currently bid evaluation is in progress.

The official further said that they are also seeking staff to work at the facility. The staff will be selected after a party to manage the facility is determined.

The contract with the chosen party will initially be for one year.

Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare Dr Maryam Mariya has previously said that management of the facility will cost approximately MVR 10.8 million per year.

The council estimated earlier that there are about 3000 stray cats in the Male' area. However, only 30 cats have been transferred to the facility to date.