Ministry of Environment states the new National Action Plan on Water and Sewerage aims to ensure all water and sewerage systems established in islands are eco-friendly and cost-effective.
Speaking to PSM News, Director General of the Environment Ministry Mohamed Musthafa said the action plan was devised based on six main policies, which include providing access to clean water for all, providing eco-friendly and sustainable solutions for water and sewerage systems, raising public awareness on water and sewerage issues, developing human resources in the field, conserving water resources in islands and flood mitigation. He added the action plan ensures the full and effective provision of water and sewerage services in islands, by focusing on all the main areas related to the service.
Meanwhile, Engineer at Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Ali Mishaal said the action plan will resolve the main issues faced in islands with regards to water and sewerage. As such, he noted the action plan resolves the issues faced by EPA as the regulator of water and sewerage services, including difficulties in monitoring and recording the services and constraints in budget and resources.
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.