Ongoing projects to significantly upgrade and sustain electricity services in Baa Atoll Kihaadhoo and Kamadhoo are on track for completion next year, Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, Ali Shareef has announced.
The Minister shared these updates in a written response to queries submitted to the Parliament by Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir, who had requested progress reports on the Ministry’s developmental initiatives for both islands.
Providing details on the developments in Kamadhoo, Minister Ali Shareef explained that the official transition of electricity services from Fenaka Corporation to the State Electric Company Limited (STELCO)—a move designed to improve the quality and stability of the island's power supply—was successfully completed on 20 July. He also confirmed that previous technical failures affecting the cable network near the Kamadhoo harbour area have been fully resolved.
While Kamadhoo currently possesses adequate power generation capacity to meet local demand, the Minister noted that the existing grid infrastructure is unable to handle the load, resulting in frequent voltage drops and cable overloads. To provide a permanent remedy, the government has completed the necessary survey and design work to overhaul the island's cable network, with the entire upgrade project slated for completion by November of next year.
Minister Ali Shareef also emphasised that establishing a reliable electricity network for the residents of Kihaadhoo is a top priority for the administration. In alignment with the changes in Kamadhoo, Kihaadhoo’s power services were also officially handed over from Fenaka to STELCO on 20 July. Following the transition, STELCO initiated a specialised, comprehensive assessment of the island's power system to identify and resolve systemic bottlenecks, he added.
Additionally, plans for a modern powerhouse in Kihaadhoo are progressing rapidly with the Minister revealing that the prototype design for the facility has been completed and the necessary land has been officially allocated. STELCO is currently finalising preparations to begin physical construction, with the entire Kihaadhoo powerhouse project scheduled to be commissioned by 31 October next year, he explained.