Fenaka Corporation Limited has announced that resolving the issues related to electricity, water, and sewerage in the islands will require a substantial financial investment under current conditions. The company is conducting special assessments to identify issues in island utility services.
Fenaka is responsible for providing public utility services to the islands, including electricity, which it supplies to more than 150 islands, while also developing water and sewerage systems. Many of these islands are in poor condition and lack backup systems. When the company took over, the electricity situation was particularly severe in major populated areas such as Kulhudhuffushi City, Addu City, Fuvahmulah City, and Hinnavaru in Lhaviyani Atoll.
Speaking at a press conference, Chief Technical Officer at Fenaka Abdulla Nashith revealed that 55% of the 250 engines in the islands served by Fenaka have not been overhauled, leading to frequent breakdowns and electricity issues. He also said that procurement of the necessary equipment for engine repair and overhaul is underway, with the goal of completing these overhauls within the next 2-3 months.
Additionally, Nashith said that over 90 islands have been identified as needing new engines and upgrades to their electricity networks to meet demand. He said that the electricity issue will be costly, estimating between USD 52 million and USD 65 million, and relevant government agencies are being consulted. He also said that many islands require significant upgrades to their electricity systems following recent surveys.
Regarding water and sewerage networks, Fenaka highlighted issues in Thinadhoo City, Kudahuvadhoo in Dhaalu Atoll, Villingili in Gaafu Alifu Atoll, Guraidhoo in Thaa Atoll, Hithadhoo in Addu City, and Nilandhoo in Faafu Atoll. These islands face issues with water and sewerage networks and insufficient capacity to serve the growing population. The lack of a backup plan also violates the standards set by the Utility Regulatory Authority (URA). In addition, providing services to newly settled and reclaimed areas presents a challenge.
Fenaka said that its top priority is to provide temporary solutions to the islands in need, while also designing and initiating projects for permanent solutions. It also said that it aims find temporary solutions to the power outages affecting the connected islands in Addu.