Gedhoruveriya housing towers face connectivity issues: FDC says cable and internet services will be available within three months
Hamdhaan stated that the delay in providing internet and cable TV services to the Gedhoruveriya flats is due to the previous administration's decision to exclude the installation of GPON systems from the original project agreement. However, work is currently underway to install these systems in nine towers, with Hamdhaan confirming that all towers will have access to these services within the next three months. In the interim, efforts are being made to provide affordable temporary solutions, such as AirFiber, until permanent infrastructure is fully established.
Towers constructed under the Gedhoruveriya housing scheme. Many people are now residing in this area. | Raajje MV
Hamdhaan Shakeel, the Managing Director of Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC), has announced that cable and internet services will be available across all "Gedhoruveriya" housing towers within the next three months.
Complaints have mounted over the lack of cable television and internet services at the "Gedhoruveriya" housing units. Despite many residents having already moved in, they face significant challenges due to the inability to connect cable services and the unavailability of internet from major providers Dhiraagu and Ooredoo.
Speaking on Thursday’s "Fashaairu" program regarding the issue, Hamdhaan stated that internet services can only be provided once the GPON system is established. He explained that the service delay is due to the project's scope being modified to exclude these works when it was initially awarded during the previous administration.
When the agreement for this project was signed during the previous administration, the provision of broadband internet services was actually excluded from the scope of work. To provide the necessary internet access to these units, a GPON (Gigabit Passive Optical Network) system must be installed in the buildings; however, this requirement was removed from the original contract. It is important to note that once a component has been removed from the scope of a project funded by the Exim Bank, securing refinancing for that specific element becomes an exceptionally difficult task.FDC Managing Director Hamdhaan Shakeel
Highlighting the ongoing progress, Hamdhaan stated that installation of GPON systems is currently underway in nine towers. He further noted that the project is expected to be completed within the next three months.
Approximately 110 ONT devices will be installed today. Once completed, MediaNet services will be accessible via broadband internet. In the meantime, we are collaborating with ISPs to provide alternative solutions, such as AirFiber, at significant discounts. Regarding the timeline, Dhiraagu is expected to complete the necessary work for all 32 towers within the next three months. However, they have provided assurances that the process may be finalized even sooner.Hamdhaan Shakeel, Managing Director of FDC
Hamdhaan stated that efforts are underway to establish essential services for the public, noting that the pace of service delivery remains efficient.
Despite Hamdhaan's remarks, families had already begun moving into the flats by the start of the new academic year on January 27. Although the area is now heavily populated, many residents are expressing growing concern over the continued lack of cable and internet services to this day.
