STELCO to Open One-Stop Shop for Power Plant Essentials

State Electric Company (STELCO) has unveiled plans to open a one-stop shop for essential power plant items. The new showroom, located on the ground floor of STELCO headquarters, will occupy an 8,000 square foot space accessible from Ameenee Magu. The facility will also include a park area in front of the store’s entrance to accommodate forklifts.

STELCO’s Managing Director, Hussain Fahumy, shared details about the initiative with local media outlet Mihaaru. The store will feature a range of items crucial for power plants, including engines, transformers, panel boards, and cables. Fahumy emphasized that the store will cater to large-scale needs with engines ranging from one to three megawatts and sizable cables.

“The purpose of opening this store is to build capacity within the country without relying on external parties,” Fahumy explained. “Currently, we don't have the ability to build a powerhouse if ours, the ones in FENAKA, or in a resort burn down. With this store, we will be able to restore service within 24 hours if a powerhouse is damaged.”

Fahumy stressed that this venture is not typical for hardware stores or general businessmen. Instead, it fills a critical gap in the country’s infrastructure, ensuring that essential power plant components are readily available for immediate use.

“There are no transformers available right now, and the supply of cables is limited. This store will bridge that gap, providing for both our needs and public use. We aim to increase our income by establishing a major business through this store,” he added.

The construction of the showroom is being carried out entirely by local STELCO employees, with no outsourcing involved. Fahumy highlighted the importance of utilizing the company’s own workforce to complete the project efficiently and cost-effectively.

“We are doing everything with our company employees, without outsourcing. The only cost incurred is for procuring the necessary materials,” he said. “If we had outsourced the project, it would not be completed within a year. However, with our current plan, the project, which started in late May, will be ready to open within the next three months.”

Fahumy reassured that there are no plans to let any employees go, regardless of political views or other factors. “This is a company with one hundred percent locals. We will not do wrong by anyone and have no intention of letting any employees go,” he stated.

In addition to the new showroom, STELCO plans to further enhance customer services by merging the current shop space in the STELCO building with the existing customer service area. This expansion is part of STELCO's broader strategy to improve service delivery and operational efficiency.

The new one-stop shop is expected to significantly boost the Maldives’ ability to manage and maintain power plants independently, ensuring quick restoration of services and better preparedness for any future emergencies.