MP Kudu calls for explanation as three major SOEs close centres used by staff parents

Three major state‑owned companies, Maldives Ports Limited (MPL), Housing Development Corporation (HDC) and State Electric Company Limited (STELCO), have been asked by Parliament to explain why they closed their daycare centres.

All three companies have confirmed that their daycare facilities are no longer in operation.

According to a letter sent by MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu) to the Speaker, STELCO’s daycare centre was closed on March 7, 2024, while HDC’s centre was closed on April 3, 2024. The date on which MPL closed its daycare centre remains unknown.

Kudu noted that the daycare centres were operated specifically to support female employees during working hours, and their closure has caused significant difficulties for staff.

“Such services were providing relief to many parents, and the unannounced closure is causing hardship to the parents who relied on the service,” the letter stated.

He requested Parliament to determine the reasons behind the closures, whether the centres will be reopened, and if so, when.

The daycare centres at MPL, HDC and STELCO were all operated during official working hours. Their closure has created challenges for employees of the three companies.