Fenaka Corporation Limited has once again granted local councils an extension to bring street lights up to safety standards, outlined by the Utility Regulator Authority (URA). It announced the new deadline as February 25, 2025.
Fenaka has inspected street lights across all the islands to ensure safety, following a tragic incident that took the life of an individual after being electrocuted by an electrical leak from a street light in Ungoofaaru, Raa Atoll. The incident occurred as he tried to rescue a child playing in the water.
The inspection revealed that many street lights did not meet the required safety standards. As such, Fenaka informed the councils that electricity would only be supplied to street lights that comply with the Utility Regulatory Authority (URA) standards. The announcement was made on June 9, with an initial deadline set for June 27 for the councils to replace their street lights to meet URA standards.
The deadline was then extended to August 21, upon the request of the Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works Adam Shareef Umar. The minister stated that councils would require additional time, as upgrading the street lights would financially burden the councils. He disclosed that upgrading the street lights in 144 islands would cost USD5.5 million.
Providing insight on the extension to February 25, Fenaka stated that the deadline was extended for the third time, as it recognised the challenges councils were facing to upgrade the street lights. It was additionally granted as the URA extended the period, following the recommendation of government authorities. Fenaka has previously warned councils against cutting off electricity services for street lights which do not comply with URA standards. This decision was made after thorough discussions held with the Ministry of Cities, Local Government and Public Works and the URA, aiming to minimise wasteful expenditures.