The Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure has announced the completion and handover of China's free grant project, aimed at supplying clean drinking water to five islands in the Maldives.
Implemented as part of the China Aid Micro-Grid Seawater Desalination Project, the initiative covered Alifushi in Raa Atoll, Olhuvelifushi in Lhaviyani Atoll, Kelaa in Haa Alifu Atoll, Dhaandhoo in Gaafu Alifu Atoll, and Kaashidhoo in Kaafu Atoll.
As such, desalination plants with a daily capacity of 200 tonnes were installed in Alifushi, Olhuvelifushi, Kelaa, and Dhaandhoo, accompanied by the incorporation of 200kW solar panels on these islands. In addition, Kaashidhoo saw the establishment of a 200-tonne per day desalination plant, complemented by an additional 100kW wind turbine and 100kW solar panels.
During a ceremony marking the projects' completion, Ambassador of China to the Maldives Wang Lixin and Minister of Construction and Infrastructure Dr. Abdulla Muththalib signed the relevant documents, officially handing over the project to the government of the Maldives.
The agreement for the project was signed in December 2017, outlining the provision of clean drinking water to five islands through China's free grant programme. Fieldwork for the project commenced in May 2022, with the overall cost amounting to USD11.8 million.