Government of Maldives has begun repairing the replica of the kalhuohfummi in Aarah, Kaafu Atoll. The repair works are being done by a team of carpenters from the Road Development Corporation (RDC).
The Ministry of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage stated that a special ceremony will be held to allow the public to view the replica after completing renovations. Although the repairs were expected to be completed for February 11, the ministry said due to various reasons the work will not be completed by then
Kalhuohfummi was the sailing boat used by Mohamed Thakurufaanu, in his endeavor to free the Maldives from the Portuguese occupation in 1573. The replica was constructed and made its maiden voyage on the 50th Independence Day and has since been kept in Aarah.
The ministry stated that the replica will be part of a showcase to provide information on the Maldives' struggle for freedom during the period. The ministry surveyed three areas and determined that the compound of the Kalhuvakaru Mosque was a suitable location to place the replica.
The ministry is conducting the work on transporting and repairing the replica with the relevant authorities. The replica was constructed using traditional boat building methods and the exact same design of the historical boat, according to the historical research.