Hoarafushi MP Ali Moosa has announced that Fenaka Corporation is preparing to commence operations at the Haa Alif Hoarafushi bottling plant by the end of the year, employing local staff from the area.

The bottling facility, originally launched in 2019 with a grant from the Government of India, faced multiple delays and remained inactive until after the 2023 general elections. Although hiring took place in April and May of that year, the plant has yet to reach a stage where operations can begin. In the meantime, 17 employees initially recruited for the project were absorbed into Fenaka’s broader workforce.

Audit reports have repeatedly highlighted the financial strain caused by employing staff who do not have active roles within Fenaka. Consequently, the company’s board has made the decision to lay off employees assigned to the bottling plant due to the current lack of available work.

Addressing the issue in a Facebook post, MP Ali Moosa explained that the board's decision was made in accordance with Fenaka’s HR policy. He expressed his personal stance, stating that he neither desires nor supports the dismissal of any citizen from employment.

Following discussions with Fenaka, MP Moosa reported that the company has confirmed its intention to recruit the necessary staff when operations at the plant commence, and that a definitive start date for the service will be established. He further noted that Fenaka has assured him that the remaining work required to complete the project will begin shortly.

In addition, MP Moosa mentioned that Fenaka plans to upgrade the plant's operational model to a commercially competitive framework, which will enhance the facility’s long-term viability. Under this revised model, operations are expected to commence by the end of the year, utilising employees from Hoarafushi.

Previously, in an interview with MMTV, Fenaka’s Managing Director stated that a technical team would soon visit Hoarafushi to assess the outstanding work needed to complete the plant. The process of addressing these requirements is scheduled to begin in July.