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Extending streetlight maintenance deadline in discussion

Fenaka has already extended the deadline twice and stated that streetlights not repaired within this period will no longer be supplied with electricity starting August 1.

Malika Shahid
01 August 2024, MVT 15:11
Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works Adam Shareef
Malika Shahid
01 August 2024, MVT 15:11

Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works Adam Shareef announced plans to discuss extending the deadline for repairing streetlights on islands with Fenaka Corporation, as councils need more time to complete the work.

In a post on social media platform X, Minister Shareef emphasized the importance of installing Earth-leakage circuit breakers (ELCBs) on streetlights to ensure the safety and security of the public.

However, he acknowledged that councils require additional time to complete these installations.

"We are in discussions with Fenaka for this. We will discuss the challenges with the Utility Regulatory Authority," Shareef said.

Shareef said that the current deadline given by Fenaka to councils for ensuring the safety and repair of streetlights expired on Wednesday.

Fenaka has already extended the deadline twice and stated that streetlights not repaired within this period will no longer be supplied with electricity starting August 1.

An inspection by Fenaka revealed that many streetlights on the islands are unsafe with streetlights lacking ELCBs.

An ELCB is a safety device used in electrical installations to prevent electric shock.

The inspection followed a tragic incident in which an 18-year-old was electrocuted to death after coming into contact with a puddle of water that had been electrified through a street lamp post, also injuring an 8-year-old.

In connection with this incident, the Utility Regulatory Authority fined Fenaka with MVR 50,000.

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