The Government of the Maldives has assured the Government of Saudi Arabia will reimburse the expenditures for the construction of the King Salman Mosque.
The King Salman Mosque is a donation for the Maldives by King of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud. The mosque was designed and constructed by Turkish contractor Alke-Turmaks, but public concern has increased as the mosque is yet to be officially opened.
Speaking at the Parliament of the Maldives, Parliamentarian Yauqoob Abdulla alleged that 80% of the cost of the project was covered through funds taken from the state budget. However, Minister of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Mohamed Aslam responded by saying that the entire project is paid for by the Saudi government.
The minister said a large amount of the cost for the project was covered by the Maldivian government but that the Saudi government has assured it will provide reimbursement. He also said the relevant authorities from both countries are currently discussing various aspects of the project.
Ministry of Islamic Affairs has said the governments of both countries are coordinating to open the mosque in the month of Ramadan next year. The government had delayed the opening of the mosque multiple times for various reasons.
A delegation from Saudi Arabia arrived in the Maldives to discuss the project in August.