The Government of the Maldives has inaugurated the water supply and sewerage systems in Gulhi, Kaafu Atoll.
Managing Director of State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) Hassan Mughnee said the water and sewerage systems established in Gulhi will bring socio-economic development for the residents of the island. He made the remarks while speaking at the ceremony to hand over the water and sewerage services in Gulhi to STELCO.
At the ceremony, Managing Director Mughnee said Gulhi is the first island to receive water and sewerage services as part of the government's pledge to establish basic services in all inhabited islands. He said establishing these services will make way for national progress and socio-economic opportunities in Gulhi, as the island is already a popular tourist destination.
Also at the ceremony, Vice President of Gulhi Island Council Ibrahim Faaiz said the residents had to endure many difficulties and challenges due to the lack of an adequate sewerage system. However, he said the sewerage network inaugurated in Gulhi will have a significant positive impact on the community, and that it shows that the government places a high priority on providing basic and essential services to all citizens.
STELCO has begun water supply and sewerage services in Gulhi, and will also be handling other utility services such as electricity on the island. The government established water supply services in Gulhi with two reverse osmosis (RO) plants, one rainwater treatment plant, and three 200-tonne water storage containers.
A total of 181 water supply network connections and 175 sewerage network connections have been registered in Gulhi with the inauguration of the services.