Deputy Mayor of Male' City Shamau Shareef has revealed the cost of electricity has reduced by 40% with the introduction of LED lights on the streets of the capital.
Speaking to PSM News, Deputy Mayor Shamau said 99% work of the LED light project, which is run by a grant from the Government of India has been completed.
Male' City Council is currently conducting various efforts to ensure the streets are well lit in order to mitigate crimes in the capital city. Shamau said although over USD 64,700 were spent on lighting the streets, the introduction of LED lights would bring the electricity cost down by 40%.
Shamau further said the council is working to replace the power grid as the current network is old and worn out. He expects the work to be complete in 6 months and said the installation of a modern grid would allow an easy maintenance as faulty bulbs can be identified easily.
The Male' City LED light project is aimed at increasing energy efficiency and using renewable energy. The project is run in collaboration with Ministry of Environment and India's Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL).
The project involves replacing 2,500 lights in use with led lights which have been donated by the Indian Government. Under an MoU, the Indian Government is required to donate 200,000 energy saving lights to local households, with the local power providers tasked with the distribution. Environment ministry expects the project will reduce the cost of electricity consumed by local households.