Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has stated water and sewerage projects have been completed in 5 islands this year, despite the difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking to PSM News, Director at the Planning Ministry Shaana Farooq said the government is working towards the goal of establishing water and sewerage networks in all inhabited islands of the Maldives, despite the difficulties caused by COVID-19. In this regard, she noted water and sewerage projects in 5 islands have been completed so far this year.
Speaking further, the director revealed water supply networks have been installed in 55% islands, while sewerage networks have been installed in 68% islands. She noted all the water and sewerage projects planned for the remaining islands are ongoing at different stages, including projects which have been announced for tender as well as projects currently at Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or design stage.
Providing details of the progress of projects, Shaana Farooq said water supply projects for 40 islands and sewerage projects for 53 islands are currently ongoing, while 11 water supply projects and 8 sewerage projects have been opened for tender under contractor finance policy. She further noted 35 water supply projects and 25 sewerage projects are currently at design stage.
Speaking further, the director said some projects are conducted under foreign grants and loans, noting an assessment is underway before beginning water and sewerage projects in 17 islands which are to be conducted under the aid of the Export Import Bank of India. She also noted a further 8 projects which are conducted under the assistance of OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) are currently in the tendering process.