Addu Residents Protest Eid Lights Amid Ongoing Power Outages
Photo: FENAKA
Residents and councillors in Addu have protested against the installation of decorative lights for Eid al-Fitr, citing prolonged electricity supply issues that have persisted for several months.
The interconnected islands of Addu continue to experience frequent and prolonged power outages, significantly affecting daily life. Despite this, decorative lights have been installed in various parts of the city ahead of Eid celebrations, leading to criticism on social media.
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Addu Deputy Mayor Mohamed Shuau stated that residents do not support the installation of Eid lights while the electricity issue remains unresolved. He highlighted that the problem has persisted for more than a year and questioned whether the government was ignoring public concerns. Ibrahim Shinaz, a representative of Hithadhoo in the Addu City Council, also opposed the installation, arguing that priority should be given to resolving the power crisis.
Social media users have condemned the decision, with some criticising the reported expenditure of MVR 28 million on decorative lights. Commenters suggested that these funds could have been used to improve the city’s power infrastructure, including replacing damaged generators.
Fenaka Corporation has announced measures to address the crisis. Managing Director Mohamed Najah stated that a new 1.8 MW generator set is being sent to Addu to help stabilise the electricity supply. However, power outages have continued despite repeated assurances from Najah that the issue would be resolved before Ramadan.
Hithadhoo Central MP Ahmed Azaan has now called for Najah’s resignation, stating that he has failed to deliver on his promise. Azaan disclosed that Najah had assured him in February that both he and Fenaka’s Deputy Managing Director, Mohamed Arif, would step down if the electricity problem was not solved before Ramadan. However, as the fasting month begins, Addu continues to experience severe outages.
Over the past 6 months, Addu City faced power outages on 84 out of 175 days. That’s nearly one in every two days. In February 2025 alone, electricity was cut for over an hour on 75% of the days.
Despite the frequent outages disrupting daily life and damaging appliances worth… pic.twitter.com/kP2Wz9NlkK— Ahmed Azaan (@axanner) March 24, 2025
Azaan stressed that Addu’s residents have endured significant hardship due to the power disruptions, which have not only affected daily life but also caused financial losses. Businesses have struggled with unreliable electricity, while residents have reported damage to electrical appliances.
With Ramadan underway, electricity demand is expected to rise as families prepare meals before dawn and after sunset. Continued power cuts could make this period even more challenging for the people of Addu.
