The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare has re-announced that they are searching for a contractor to renovate parts of the cat shelter, Olhu Hiyaa.
The ministry initially announced last month that they are seeking a contractor to conduct repair and renovation work on the facility's Isolation Unit, General Holding Area, toilets, office, and guardroom.
Today's announcement by the ministry states that cost estimates submitted in response to the previous announcement exceeded the budget allocated for the project. Hence, the ministry has now reopened for new submissions.
The deadline for submitting cost estimates is March 5.
Initially, the facility was to be operated by the Male' City Council, who had covered the cost of its development as well.
However, the cabinet later decided to hand over operations of the shelter to the Animal Welfare Ministry.
Olhu Hiyaa, built at a cost of MVR 30 million, has the capacity to house 3000 cats, the council said at the time. However, at present the facility cares for 258 cats.
