New powerhouses will serve for next 50 years: President
Speaking at Maamendhoo, the president recalled some of the initiatives taken by his government to provide electricity across the country.
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By
Mohamed Muzayyin Nazim
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Saturday said that the new power plants being built by the current government in the islands will be able to provide enough electricity to the islands for the next 50 years.
President Solih was on a visit to some islands of Huvadhoo Atoll. He visited G.A. Nilandhoo and G.A. Maamendhoo, to inaugurate new power plants set up by Fenaka.
Speaking at a meeting held in Maamendhoo after his visit to Nilandhoo, the president said:
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The issue that had to be resolved within a week of his coming to power was the power crisis in rural areas
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This, he pointed out, was due to the fact that the previous governments did not complete basic amenities like electricity
"With this power plant being set up in rural areas of the country, we will have the capacity to provide power without any hassle for the next 50 years. People don't have to complain about this," he said at the inauguration ceremony of Maamendhoo new power plant.
He said that even if modern new power plants are built, a technical snag in an engine can lead to power outages at some point of time. He said that the existing power plants can provide electricity for 50 years by solving only the problems with the engine without making huge investments for replacement.
"The people who are coming to power after us, whether it's in 2028 or 2032, they wont have to think about this [electricity service]. They have to think of something else altogether," said Solih, who has expressed interest in contesting the 2023 presidential elections.
In his speech, the President recalled some of the initiatives taken by his government to provide electricity. In this regard, he said:
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A total of 313 engines have been supplied to 144 islands
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Power cable network has been completely revamped in 137 islands
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Fenaka office in 46 islands completely completed; work is underway in 64 islands, work will begin in 36 islands next year
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Total of 146 island power plants and offices will be completed by the end of these five years
The people who are coming to power after us, whether it's in 2028 or 2032, they wont have to think about this [electricity service]. They have to think of something else altogether.
Prior to the ceremony, the president had met with Maamendhoo Council and discussed their concerns. These concerns will be addressed, he said in his speech. The president said:
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Next year, the government will start work on resolving the issue of erosion
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The government will transfer Hulhumendhoo near Maamendhoo to the council's control
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Budgetary allocation for solid waste management to begin next year
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The State will always deploy police in the village as requested by the council.
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The government will try to convert the health centre into 24-hour service facility
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The State will prepare sports fishing areas near the island
