Male’ City government ministry fire investigation reveals insurance gaps

Police have provided new details regarding the massive fire that struck a government office complex in Male’ City on December 12, 2024. The blaze, described as the worst fire in the country’s history at a government building, destroyed the Ministry of Housing, Land and Urban Development and the Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure.

Superintendent of Police Abdulla Rasheed, Head of Major Crimes Investigation, revealed that only one of the three affected ministries was insured. The Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy was the only insured entity; while its building sustained extensive damage, some items were successfully saved. The Male’ City Council and the Environmental Protection Agency were also affected.

Investigations indicate the fire began following a power outage at the Ministry of Housing. Although a security guard initially managed to extinguish the first flames, a second fire emerged in the ceiling. The situation escalated rapidly while firefighters were attempting to evacuate personnel and locate hidden hotspots. The blaze was brought under control by approximately 12:45 pm, with full extinguishment completed by 3:30 pm.