Eleven employees at the Fenaka Corporation branch in Alif Dhaal Mahibadhoo have been dismissed following the transfer of the island’s utility operations to STELCO.
The dismissals took place under Fenaka’s redundancy policy after the handover. Of the branch’s 26 staff, 15 were transferred to STELCO while the remaining 11 were terminated. Several of those dismissed had more than 10 years of service.
A former employee told Adhadhu that staff had been assured they would be retained and given new contracts. The same source said employees were pressured to sign membership forms for the ruling People’s National Congress shortly before the terminations. Most of those dismissed are said to be affiliated with the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party, while many of those retained support the ruling party.
The Alif Dhaal Mahibadhoo Island Council issued a statement expressing concern over the sudden dismissals and the impact on the workers and their families. The council called on authorities to follow the Employment Act and reinstate the staff.
Former Vice President Faisal Naseem also commented, noting that the Employment Act protects workers’ rights and that political affiliation should not influence employment decisions in state-owned enterprises.
Fenaka has carried out staff reductions at several branches as part of a broader government directive to cut the workforce of state-owned companies. The company has previously described redundancy measures as necessary for financial sustainability.
Mahibadhoo previously received sewerage services from Fenaka while STELCO managed water and electricity. The full transfer of operations has now been completed.