Fenaka signs to establish 24-hour electricity in islands

Government’s utility company for the atolls, Fenaka Corporation Limited has today signed contracts with three companies to establish 24-hour electricity services in 78 islands.

The projects were awarded to two foreign and one local company; FuJian Yanan Power Group from China, Kelani Cable Public Limited Corporation from Sri Lanka and a local group, Power Engineering Pvt Ltd.

The project will see establishment of electricity generators with 116 kilowatt to 2 megawatt capacity in 78 islands, alongside upgrades to existing power systems in 13 other islands. Under the initiative, Fenaka Corporation will also upgrade services in 148 islands, in which it already provides electricity services, to 24-hour service.

Speaking to the media following the signing event today, Minister of Defence and National Security Colonel (Rtd) Mohamed Nazim said that although the funds have not been allocated in this year’s State budget, the projects will be completed without interruption. The project is one of the biggest single utilities initiative undertaken by the government’s utilities arm, the Defence Minister said.

“Its not in the budget, but we know how the money will be spent. Our President is an economist. The funds were allocated with his guidance. The money will be handed over to them within the next two to three days,” Minister Nazim said.

He also noted that the government hopes to complete the project by the end of June this year.