MVR 3.3 billion needed to modernise island water and sewerage systems

Upgrading, repairing and expanding existing water and sewerage systems across the Maldives will require an estimated MVR 3.3 billion, according to the Ministry of Environment.

Speaking at a press conference held at the President's Office on Tuesday, the ministry's Director General, Mohamed Mustafa, said the estimate was based on an assessment of aging water and sewerage infrastructure on islands where such systems are already in operation. He clarified that the figure does not include the cost of ongoing projects in islands that are yet to receive water and sewerage networks.

Mustafa said the ministry carried out the assessment after identifying that many of the country's existing systems had become outdated and require significant upgrades, repairs and extensions to meet current demand.

He highlighted the Greater Malé Region as one of the areas in greatest need of investment, noting that nearly half of the Maldives' population now resides there.

To address growing demand, the government is expanding water storage capacity in both Malé and Hulhumalé. A 26,000-tonne water storage tank is currently being installed in Malé, while a 13,000-tonne tank is under construction in Hulhumalé. Once completed, the projects are expected to double the existing water storage capacity in the two urban centres.

Mustafa said the limited storage capacity has created challenges in maintaining adequate water production and supply, making the ongoing expansion essential to improving service reliability.

He also revealed that work is underway to interconnect the water distribution networks of Malé and Hulhumalé via the Sinamalé Bridge, similar to the existing interconnection of the Greater Malé electricity grid. The project is expected to enhance the resilience and efficiency of water supply services across the Greater Malé Region.