Managing Director at Fenaka Corporation, Muaz Mohamed Rasheed, has affirmed that efforts are underway to commence the work of the new power plant in Kulhudhuffushi, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, underscoring his commitment to bring in a permanent solution for the shortage in electricity provision.
Moreover, he further confirmed the ongoing installation of a 800kW generator, addressing the power outages. Remarkably, he had personally inspected the practical operations following his visit to Kulhudhuffushi. Simultaneously, he highlighted that one of the reasons for the delay in this project was the insufficient space at the power plant for installing the new engine. Furthermore, Muaz shed light on the additional installation of 1.2MW engines, contributing to an increase of 9MW in electric capacity.
Notably, Kulhudhuffi City has a population of 10,000 people with a substantial increase in the power load resulting in regular power outages for an hour between 1200hrs to 1900hrs, while posing challenges and difficulties to the residents of the city especially in this holy month of Ramadan.
Speaking to PSM news, Muaz reiterated that the provision of electricity has always been a huge issue, as the consumption of current is greater than that generated. He further emphasised that the island's electricity capacity has not been increased in recent years to accommodate the growing population.
Additionally, Muaz disclosed that the practical work on the engine house commenced in 2020. He emphasised that the project, initially slated for completion within a year, remains unfinished three years later. Moreover, he asserted that the reasons for the engine house stoppage have been identified, and Fenaka is gearing up to resume work within the forthcoming six months. He further revealed that the project, initially budgeted at USD 1.94 million, has incurred costs ranging from USD 2.91 to 3.23 million due to significant delays, underscoring that only 45% of the project has been commenced thus far.
While the new power plant has a capacity of four 5MW engines, 7MW of electricity has been installed in Kulhudhuffushi.