The facility located in Hulhumale’ Phase II will not only operate as a shelter for stray cats, but will also include a quarantine area, a clinic, as well as a laboratory that can provide the services needed for cats.
SunOnline International
One of the many issues that Maldives has been trying to tackle for the past few years has been bringing a solution to the increasing number of stray cats on the streets. In addition to the poor conditions and treatment faced by strays on the city streets, with Male’ City continuously facing flooding during the rainy season, stray cats and cat faeces not only cause harm to the cats but also to people who have to walk on the streets during the rainy season. Although this has been an issue that was raised multiple times in the past, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu had vowed to bring a proper solution to this problem even before becoming the President.
Although President Dr Muizzu faced difficulties in realising the solution during his term as the mayor of the City Council due to bureaucratic issues, as the President, Dr Muizzu has finally brought the much-needed solution with the opening of the ‘Olhu Hiyaa’ cat shelter. The facility located in Hulhumale’ Phase II will not only operate as a shelter for stray cats but will also include a quarantine area, a clinic, as well as a laboratory that can provide the services needed for cats. Additionally, Olhu Hiyaa also has a pharmacy where veterinary medication is available in addition to a recreational area for resident cats.
The establishment of Olhu Hiyaa is expected to bring positive change to the community in several ways. By providing a safe and structured environment for stray cats, the shelter reduces the number of animals on the streets, which in turn helps improve public health and sanitation. With a dedicated clinic and laboratory, the facility will enable the cats to receive necessary healthcare, reducing the spread of potential diseases that can affect both animals and humans.
Residents and visitors will also experience cleaner streets, particularly during the rainy season, as fewer strays will be exposed to hazardous urban conditions. Additionally, the shelter's recreational area for cats encourages community involvement, allowing people to engage in adoption programs or volunteer efforts, fostering a sense of responsibility and compassion for animals in the community. Olhu Hiyaa’s presence could even set a precedent for animal welfare initiatives across the Maldives, encouraging more humane approaches to managing stray animal populations.
