The council of Villigili island in Gaaf Alif atoll has reported that recurrent blackouts have been occurring in the island for the past three days and that the expenses for losses have hiked above MVR 50,000.
Blackouts in Villigili, with a populace of 3,700, have been occurring since 07th September.
Speaking to RaajjeMV, island council President Mustafa Mohamed reported that the blackouts come every half an hour and that the council is uncertain when the authorities will provide a solution for the issue.
Mustafa revealed that the state utilities company, FENAKA’s branch in the island reveals that it will take about four days to fix the issue and that recurrent blackouts are occurring due to the biggest generator in the island’s power house having broken down.
The council President further stated that they had been looking for a new generator since the past Ramadan and that they are yet to receive a new generator despite difficulties faced by continuing power cuts for the past few days.
According to Mustafa, the council has been receiving several complaints from island residents due to damages incurred due to the unceasing power cuts, adding that the expenses for damages incurred reach above MVR 50,000.
Moreover, Mustafa revealed that students are also facing immense difficulties as the O’Level examinations are upon them.
While the island council has efficiently been sending notices of power cuts to the residents up until the recent generator issue surfaced, Mustafa noted that recently, notices have been sent to residents through the ruling Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM)’s main campaign site on the island.
Mustafa alleges that the power house is currently being run by those at the PPM campaign site and not the employees of FENAKA who have authorization at the power house.
