The crucial water connectivity network between the capital, Male’, and the rapidly developing island of Hulhumale’, is set to be fully completed and operational by the end of this year, according to Abdul Matheen Mohamed, Managing Director of the Maldives Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC).
Speaking on PSM News' "Hafthaa 104" programme, which highlighted the government's two-year achievements, Matheen underscored that improving service quality and ensuring reliability for the people have been MWSC's paramount priorities during this period, alongside stringent cost cutting measures mandated by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu due to the nation's present economic constraints.
Matheen elaborated on MWSC's extensive efforts in the Male’ region, emphasising significant strides made in increasing water production, boosting storage capacity, and fortifying existing supply facilities.
A key project, which had faced delays before the current administration took office, is the Male’-Hulhumale’ water connectivity project. The pipeline, which was integrated into the Sinamale’ Bridge connecting Male’ and Hulhumale’ was intended to circulate fresh water between the two islands.
Matheen confirmed that this vital project is now nearing completion, with testing phases actively underway.
"We have now temporarily completed the pipeline and started providing services. We can already carry 2,000 tonnes of water per day between Male' and Hulhumale'," he said, adding that while pump stations on both sides are finished, ongoing electrical and mechanical works will soon enable the pipeline to carry up to 20,000 tonnes of water daily.
Further enhancing the region's water security, MWSC is also nearing completion on another 10,000-tonne water plant for the Male’ area. To augment storage capacity, a substantial 10,000-tonne tank – one of the largest in the Maldives – has been completed in Hulhumale’, while funding has been secured for two additional 13,000-tonne tanks in Male’, with practical work slated to begin shortly.
These comprehensive initiatives, encompassing increased production, storage, and delivery capacity, represent a significant step forward for the water security and service reliability across the Male’ region, he added.