Minister of Environment Dr. Hussain Rasheed Hassan states the government targets to establish a safe drinking water supply and sewerage system in all islands of the Maldives by 2023.
Speaking at the inauguration of the National Action Plan on Water and Sewerage, the environment minister said the natural water supply in the Maldives has undergone changes following the 2004 Tsunami. Therefore, the he said special care must be taken to maintain natural resources and ensure a sustainable supply of water.
Highlighting the ongoing water and sewerage projects in the Maldives, the environment minister noted projects to establish safe drinking water supplies are currently ongoing in 44 islands, while sewerage networks are being installed in 53 islands. The minister noted 42 islands currently have access to safe drinking water and 69 islands have a sewerage system installed. He said government targets to establish safe drinking water and sewerage systems in all islands by 2023.
The National Action Plan on Water and Sewerage was formulated under the Water and Sewerage Act, which came into effect in August. The action plan has 18 main objectives, including protection of the freshwater lens in islands, flood mitigation, and raising public awareness on sustainable water supply. As per the action plan, all individuals working in water and sewerage services are required to undertake a special training and possess a certain licence.
The environment ministry believes the new action plan will be easier to implement as it is powered through a law.