City council transfers stray cat facility to agriculture ministry
The mayor expressed frustration over the ministry’s repeated requests for additional modifications, even as the council addressed them.
Male City Council on Wednesday decided to transfer the management of the stray cat facility to the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, following a government directive.
The facility, inaugurated last month, was constructed and prepared by the council at significant expense. However, the ministry raised concerns about certain arrangements and requested that the council hand over the premises.
The decision was finalised at a council meeting on Wednesday.
Mayor Adam Azim emphasised the extensive efforts and resources invested by the council and its employees in establishing the facility.
“The facility was built with a significant allocation from the council’s budget, and all preparations were completed, including hiring a veterinarian and arranging food and barns,” he said.
Azim noted that the ministry had cited incomplete aspects of the facility, including plans for additional cells and a clinic.
“Initially, we agreed on 10 cells and a clinic. While the clinic and three more cells are still being developed, other arrangements, such as sloped flooring and rainwater harvesting facilities, have been completed,” Azim said.
The mayor expressed frustration over the ministry’s repeated requests for additional modifications, even as the council addressed them.
“This project has been entirely funded by the council’s budget, and all work has been carried out by the council staff,” he said.
Deputy Mayor Ahmed Nareesh proposed the motion to hand over the facility during the meeting, stating that the ministry intends to convert it into a permanent facility under its care.
“The council has fulfilled all the requirements requested. If the ministry takes over, the council should be reimbursed for the expenses incurred,” Nareesh said.
The motion was passed unanimously by the members present.
Azim underscored the urgency of addressing stray cat management to maintain city cleanliness.
“It is important to use this facility, given the resources spent, rather than leaving the issue unresolved while dogs pollute the streets,” he said.
