Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare Dr. Maryam Mariya has revealed that the government’s cat shelter will cost MVR 1.3 billion annually to operate.
The disclosure was made in Parliament on Wednesday in response to a question posed by North Galolhu MP Mohamed Ibrahim regarding the financial implications of maintaining the facility.
Responding on behalf of the ministry, Minister Maryam Mariya stated that non-recurrent expenditure for the shelter is estimated at MVR 1.2 billion. She added that maintaining 2,000 buffaloes in Orchha is expected to cost MVR 700,000 per month, which amounts to MVR 10.8 million per year.
Mariya also detailed the cost breakdown for the animal shelter. According to her, the facility’s budget works out to MVR 368 per cat per month, or MVR 5,416 per cat per year.
As of April, a total of 30 cats have been taken to the shelter, which was officially opened in November 2024.
In addition, the minister confirmed that there are currently 48 political employees working within the Animal Welfare Ministry in response to a question posed by Keyodhoo MP Mohamed Niushad. However, she did not provide further information on the specific positions or roles of these staff members. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has previously emphasized that the number of political appointees in the government should be kept within a reasonable limit to ensure fiscal responsibility.
The disclosure was made in Parliament on Wednesday in response to a question posed by North Galolhu MP Mohamed Ibrahim regarding the financial implications of maintaining the facility.
Responding on behalf of the ministry, Minister Maryam Mariya stated that non-recurrent expenditure for the shelter is estimated at MVR 1.2 billion. She added that maintaining 2,000 buffaloes in Orchha is expected to cost MVR 700,000 per month, which amounts to MVR 10.8 million per year.
Mariya also detailed the cost breakdown for the animal shelter. According to her, the facility’s budget works out to MVR 368 per cat per month, or MVR 5,416 per cat per year.
As of April, a total of 30 cats have been taken to the shelter, which was officially opened in November 2024.
In addition, the minister confirmed that there are currently 48 political employees working within the Animal Welfare Ministry in response to a question posed by Keyodhoo MP Mohamed Niushad. However, she did not provide further information on the specific positions or roles of these staff members. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has previously emphasized that the number of political appointees in the government should be kept within a reasonable limit to ensure fiscal responsibility.
