The Government of China has donated 880 solar-powered streetlights to the Maldives under its grant assistance programme. A special ceremony was held to mark the handover of the streetlights.
At the handover ceremony, Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Dr Abdullah Mutthalib signed the official agreement on behalf of the Maldivian government, while Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives Kong Xianhua signed on behalf of the Chinese government.
The streetlights were donated under the China Solar Lights Maldives project, which aims to support the Maldives’ transition towards renewable energy. The initiative forms part of China’s grant assistance to strengthen the Maldivian government’s efforts to increase the use of renewable energy across the country.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Kong Xianhua said the decision to donate the streetlights was made during a meeting between President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and the Chinese President last year. He highlighted China’s continued support for the Maldives, describing it as a close partner that has consistently provided assistance to the country.
The ambassador expressed hope that the project would bring positive changes to the lives of Maldivians.
He noted that solar streetlights previously donated by China had already been installed on three islands. With the additional 880 lights, the project is expected to expand to more islands, supporting the Maldives’ transition to renewable energy and contributing to the government’s efforts to achieve its energy goals.
The government of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu aims to generate 33 per cent of the Maldives’ electricity from renewable energy sources by 2028. To achieve this target, the government is implementing renewable energy projects across different parts of the country.
The Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy has stated that the country’s renewable energy generation capacity has increased to 116 megawatts, reflecting ongoing efforts to expand renewable energy production and reduce reliance on conventional energy sources.
