State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) has officially taken over the utility services previously managed by Fenaka Corporation in Noonu Atoll, following a decision by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to transfer responsibility for the services.
The state-owned utility provider confirmed that it has commenced operations across the atoll, assuming responsibility for services previously delivered by Fenaka.
In a statement, STELCO said efforts were already underway to bring the newly acquired operations into line with its service standards, with work beginning immediately after the handover.
The company said its priority was to provide residents of Noonu Atoll with reliable and sustainable utility services while improving the quality and consistency of existing operations.
The transition forms part of the government’s efforts to reorganise utility service provision across the Maldives, where electricity and other essential services have historically been managed by different state-owned companies depending on the geographical area.
STELCO has traditionally been responsible for electricity generation and distribution in the Greater Malé region and several other islands, while Fenaka has operated electricity, water and sewerage services across a large number of inhabited islands outside the capital.
The division of responsibilities between the two companies has been a central feature of the country’s utility sector, with both organisations playing significant roles in maintaining essential infrastructure and services for island communities.
The transfer of operations in Noonu Atoll represents a further expansion of STELCO’s responsibilities beyond its traditional service areas.
Providing consistent utility services across geographically dispersed islands remains a major operational challenge in the Maldives, where individual island power systems, transportation requirements and infrastructure maintenance can contribute to high operating costs.
For residents and businesses, the reliability of electricity and other essential services is particularly important for daily activities, commercial operations and the delivery of public services.
STELCO said it had begun working to align the services in Noonu Atoll with its operational standards, indicating that improvements would be pursued as part of the transition.
The company has not disclosed further details regarding the financial arrangements of the handover, the number of employees affected or any specific infrastructure upgrades planned for the atoll.
It also remains unclear whether the transfer will result in changes to existing customer service arrangements or billing procedures.
The company reiterated its commitment to maintaining reliable services for residents as it assumes responsibility for utility operations in Noonu Atoll.
