President Dr Mohamed Muizzu visited Dharubaaruge on Friday evening to evaluate the ongoing preparations for the recommencement of operations and services of three government ministries that were severely impacted by a fire on Thursday.
The fire, which broke out early Thursday morning, devastated the building housing the Ministry of Housing, Land and Urban Development, and the Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure. The adjacent ‘Green Building,’ home to the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, also sustained damage in the incident.
In the aftermath of the fire, the operations and services of the three affected ministries were suspended. Efforts are currently underway to relocate the functions of these ministries to the Dharubaaruge convention centre to ensure the uninterrupted provision of services.
During his visit to Dharubaaruge, President Dr Muizzu conducted a thorough inspection of the ongoing efforts to recommence services and provided directives on the necessary steps to expedite the process. The operations and services of the Ministry of Housing will resume on Sunday, according to Housing Minister Dr Ali Haidar Ahmed.
The relocation of the ministries to Dharubaaruge also led to the postponement of several events initially planned there, including the official function to commemorate Fishermen’s Day and the Rehendhi Awards ceremony.
Despite the significant property loss, including a large amount of equipment and documentation, no injuries were reported.