STELCO has commenced the construction of fish ponds at the Islamic Centre as part of a project to mark the 40th anniversary of the landmark.

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs initially announced the project on September 2, with plans for the fish ponds to be located near the Munnaru (minaret) of the Islamic Centre. However, the following day, Islamic Minister Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed revoked the decision, citing the current economic challenges as a reason for postponing such projects.

On September 7, STELCO Managing Director Hussain Fahmy met with Minister Dr Shaheem to express his interest in proceeding with the project, which is now underway. Fahmy stated that the work is being carried out under STELCO’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, aiming to preserve and enhance a site of historical and cultural significance to the community.

The Islamic Centre, a prominent symbol of Maldivian heritage, was built in the 1980s with support from several Islamic nations and officially opened on November 11, 1984. Fahmy emphasized that STELCO's goal is to revitalize the space in a meaningful way for the future.