Company being sought to repair parts of Olhu Hiyaa

The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare has announced today that they are looking for a company to repair damages at the Olhu Hiyaa Cat Shelter and Clinic located at Hulhumale' Phase 2.

The Olhu Hiyaa, a facility to look after and take care of stray cats was inaugurated on 2nd November 2024 in order to find a permanent solution to the issues of increasing numbers of street cats in Male'.

As per the ministry's announcement, they are seeking a company to repair the Isolation Unit, General Holding Area, bathroom, office and security rooms at the shelter.

The ministry has requested interested parties to request information on Tuesday, with a cost estimate to be submitted on 10th February.

Initially, it was the council that was supposed to operate the Olhu Hiyaa (cat shelter), which was built via Male' City Council's budget.

However, the Cabinet had decided to change the operation of the shelter under the Animal Welfare Ministry, with Male' City Council having been informed of this in December 2025.

A total of MVR 30 million was spent to start operating the shelter, with the council stating at the time that it has the capacity to take in 3,000 cats. The ministry currently has 258 cats in the shelter.