President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has revealed that practical work is underway to secure 13,000 tonnes of water to meet the needs of the growing population centres of Hulhumalé and the Hiya sector.
The President made these remarks this morning whilst delivering the Presidential Address at the first sitting of the first session of the 20th People's Majlis for the year.
The President stated that, once completed in 2027, the project will increase the water storage capacity of the Greater Malé Region by 130 per cent.
Reflecting on progress to date, the President said that work on a 10,000-tonne water storage facility was completed last year and has since been operationalised. He added that practical work on an additional 13,000-tonne facility is currently underway.
The President emphasised that the maintenance of such facilities is of paramount importance, announcing that public works units equipped with state-of-the-art facilities will be established in 19 islands across 15 atolls to support infrastructure maintenance and service delivery.
Once operational, these units will oversee and manage the maintenance and upkeep of such facilities, including minor dredging works in lagoons, harbour repairs, and road maintenance, in a cost-effective and timely manner.
Reflecting on water and sewerage projects undertaken since 17 November 2023, the President said that water supply networks have been initiated in 42 islands, while sewerage networks have been initiated in 39 islands. He added that full nationwide coverage will be achieved upon the completion of additional water networks in 51 islands and sewerage networks in 40 islands.
The President noted that this target will be met within an 18-month period, with the aim of providing fully operational water and sewerage networks in all inhabited islands.