New 1.5-megawatt generator purchased to resolve Addu electricity issue

Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Ibrahim Thoriq states a new generator has been purchased to resolve the power outages in the linked islands of Addu City, adding the new generator will be installed within next month.

He made the remark while responding to a lawmaker’s query at the parliament on resolving the issue of power outages in Addu City.

In this regard, the Minister noted that no developments were brought to the central power station in Addu City’s Hithadhoo over the past five years. He said the former administration had failed to purchase new generators required for the power station and maintain the generators that had already been in use.

Henceforth, he stressed that the islands were in dire condition. He detailed that Addu City required 12 megawatts of electricity during peak hours, adding the 20 generators currently utilized in the provision of electricity have a total capacity of 26.8 megawatts.

However, he said five of these generators were broken while the remaining generators have a total capacity of 15 megawatts.

“To resolve these issues, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration via Fenaka Corporation has purchased a new 1.5-megawatt generator which will be installed within August,” he revealed.

Minister Thoriq further said a spare part required for one of the generators in Addu City has also been purchased while three of the broken generators will be operationalized next month.

The remaining two generators will be operationalized within the remainder of this year, he said, adding efforts will help achieve a long-term solution to the issue of the power outages in Addu City.

Main opposition MDP submitted an emergency motion to the parliament last week over the continuous power outages in Addu City hindering the lives of its residents greatly.

Addu City experienced a power outage last Tuesday following damage to a cable.

Fenaka Corporation, citing the damage to the cable was amid the road development works at the island, warned of possible issues arising as the work proceeds.