Construction of new power plant in Kulhudhuffushi stalled for two years, raising concerns
A 25-megawatt power plant project in Kulhudhuffushi, started under the previous MDP administration and 80 percent complete, has stalled since the current government took office. The unroofed building and expensive equipment are now deteriorating while the city continues to face frequent power outages. Despite repeated appeals from the city council and mayor to Fenaka Corporation and ministries, no action has been taken to resume construction.
New Kulhudhuffushi power plant
Residents and the City Council of Kulhudhuffushi have expressed serious concerns over the stalled construction of the new power plant, a project initiated by the previous administration of the now-opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) to address the city's ongoing electricity crisis.
Nearly two years have passed since the project was launched, yet no progress has been made, leaving the city in a state of uncertainty.
The project, introduced during former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's administration, was designed to provide a permanent solution to the city's electricity problems with a power generation capacity of 25 megawatts. By the time the government transitioned to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration, a significant portion of the work had been completed, with approximately 80 percent of the building finished and the necessary roofing materials already delivered to the site.
However, since the change in government, construction has ground to a halt. The building, along with expensive equipment, is now deteriorating due to prolonged exposure to the elements, with the structure remaining unroofed.
Kulhudhuffushi City Mayor Mohamed Athif explained that the project was initially managed as an internal initiative by Fenaka Corporation, which had employed contract staff for the work.
Despite repeated efforts by the council to raise concerns with Fenaka and relevant ministries, no substantial action has been taken to resume construction.
The mayor emphasized that the city’s leadership has consistently urged for urgent measures to restart and complete the project.
The city has suffered frequent and prolonged electricity outages over the past two years, resulting in significant losses for both the public and local businesses.
For many residents, the completion of the new power plant remains the only viable solution to the ongoing power disruptions.
However, without further progress, the city’s electricity crisis remains unresolved.
