Baa Atoll Kihaadhoo and Kamadhoo Power Upgrades to Finish by Next Year

Electricity services in Baa Atoll's Kihaadhoo and Kamadhoo are set for a significant overhaul, with major infrastructure projects scheduled for completion by late next year, according to Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Ali Shareef. Responding to inquiries from Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir in the Maldivian Parliament, the Minister detailed a strategic shift in utility management. On July 20, power services for both islands were officially transitioned from the Fenaka Corporation to the State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) to enhance stability and service quality. In Kamadhoo, while power generation capacity is currently sufficient to meet local demand, the existing grid infrastructure has struggled to handle the load. This mismatch has led to frequent voltage drops and cable overloads. To address these systemic failures, the government has completed the survey and design phases for a comprehensive cable network overhaul. This upgrade is expected to be fully operational by November next year. Simultaneously, the administration is prioritizing a complete energy transformation for Kihaadhoo. Following the transition to STELCO, a detailed assessment was launched to identify and resolve bottlenecks within the island's current power system. Central to Kihaadhoo's development is the construction of a modern powerhouse. Minister Shareef revealed that the prototype design is complete and the land has been officially allocated. STELCO is now finalizing preparations to begin construction, with the new facility slated for commissioning by October 31 next year. These initiatives represent a broader effort to stabilize utility services across the atolls, moving away from temporary fixes toward sustainable, long-term infrastructure. By upgrading both the generation facilities and the distribution networks, the government aims to eliminate the chronic power instabilities that have historically affected these island communities.