The State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) has awarded a contract to construct a new powerhouse, along with the surrounding walls of the powerhouse and customer service building in Thuludhoo, Kaafu Atoll.
The new powerhouse project was awarded to Sunville Private Limited for USD 772,727, with a completion deadline of 175 days. The agreement was signed on behalf of STELCO by its Managing Director Hussain Fahmy, while Sunville Private Limited was represented by its Managing Director Abdulla Rafiu.
Speaking at the ceremony, Fahmy said Thulusdhoo was the first island outside Male’ where STELCO began providing services.
“Thulusdhoo’s current powerhouse is of very good quality. However, as the powerhouse is located in a residential area, we are relocating the island’s powerhouse to a newly reclaimed area, in alignment with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s policy of building powerhouses away from urban centres to enhance public conveniences. Therefore, I would like to express my appreciation for the President for his wise decision,” Fahmy said.
At the signing ceremony, the Member of Parliament for Thulusdhoo Constituency, Ibrahim Naseem expressed delight at the project’s process.
"The electricity grid is in excellent condition. However, during festive occasions like Eid, when the island is brightly lit up, some hiccups occur when peak demand is reached. These issues will hopefully improve with the new powerhouse," he said.
Thulusdhoo Council’s President Aslam Moosa said the construction of a new powerhouse has been long-awaited by the island’s residents. He noted that electricity consumption on the island is likely to double in the future as many guesthouses will be built in Thulusdhoo in the coming days.