Managing Director of Male' Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC) Hassan Shah has stated the decision to donate 1 tonne of water to each household will cost the state over USD 194,000. MWSC has decided to assist the efforts to fight against COVID-19 by providing a tonne of water to all households in Male'.
Speaking at a press conference, Managing Director Shah explained the amount will be deducted from the bills starting from March 12, which is the date a Public Health Emergency was announced in Maldives. Shah said the decision was made following public concern about an increase in water bills as all authorities urge regular handwashing.
Furthermore, the managing director said MWSC will use CSR funds to provide water for over 44,000 customers in Male' City. Shah said the company will ensure every active metre receives one tonne of water free of charge. He said the company decided to contribute to the cause by providing one tonne of water without considering the amounts deducted from the bills.
Speaking at the press conference, Shah further explained MWSC is also taking measures to mitigate the spread of the virus in the work environment. He said MWSC has identified staff with pre-existing medical conditions and those likely to have weaker immune systems. Staff with pre-existing conditions working in the front office have been moved elsewhere as a precautionary measure.
The state-owned company has also been making arrangements to allow staff to work from home should the outbreak in Maldives escalate further.