Kulhudhuffushi City Council has announced that the contractor responsible for laying underground power cables has agreed to pave excavated areas with stone blocks within the next two weeks if asphalt repairs cannot be completed.
The upgrading of Kulhudhuffushi’s electrical grid is being carried out under the "ARISE" project, an initiative of the Maldivian government funded by the World Bank. The scope of the work includes upgrading the island's power grid, laying high-voltage cables, and installing nine substations.
The contract for the grid upgrade was awarded to a Chinese firm, Sino Soar Hybrid (Beijing) Technology, which subcontracted the work to a local company, Banguda Investment.
According to the Kulhudhuffushi City Council, the original project plan stipulated that all asphalt surfaces cut for cable installation must be resurfaced once the work is finished. However, the Council noted that the failure to carry out these repairs has caused difficulties for residents using the affected roads.
In a statement addressing the issue, the Council highlighted several concerns, including inadequate compaction of soil in excavated areas and the formation of potholes where asphalt was cut, which has led to stones and sand scattering across the streets.
The Kulhudhuffushi City Council stated that they have held repeated meetings with the contractor and the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Technology—the ministry overseeing the project—to resolve these issues.
"During a meeting with the Ministry on May 7, 2026, we instructed them to address the issue of excavated areas remaining open for extended periods without safety tape or flashing lights. We also demanded that these areas be covered immediately, as stagnant water in the trenches was becoming a breeding ground for mosquitoes," the Council’s statement read.
Following the Council’s complaints, the pits excavated for cable jointing have been temporarily covered. The Council added that they have continued to share issues with the Ministry, seeking a permanent resolution.
In the latest development, the Council, the Ministry, and the contractor have reached an agreement: while the immediate re-asphalting may be delayed, the contractor must pave the excavated sections with stone blocks to ensure the roads remain functional and accessible for the public.
