Managing Director of the Maldives Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC), Hussain Fahmy, has said the surveys required for a project to produce drinking water from seawater at a depth of 500 metres are nearing completion.
Fahmy made the remarks during a “Let’s Connect” session held with journalists to discuss the company’s work.
While the proposal to produce water from deep seawater initially raised questions from some parties, Fahmy noted that the technology is already being successfully used in several developed countries.
He said the project to establish a water treatment plant at a depth of 500 metres is being carried out in partnership with a Norwegian company with extensive experience in the field.
Fahmy said the seawater found at a depth of 500 metres is significantly cleaner than surface seawater and water extracted from boreholes. He added that it contains lower levels of organic matter, which would improve efficiency and reduce costs.
The surveys required for the project are now nearing completion. Fahmy said the agreement for the project has been signed, while feasibility, technical and environmental studies are currently under way.
According to Fahmy, once all these stages are completed, physical work on the project is expected to officially begin by the middle of next year.
Studies conducted so far have identified the offshore area facing Giravaru Falhu as the most suitable location for establishing the plant.
Under the project, the Norwegian company will produce the water, which MWSC will purchase from the company at an appropriate price. MWSC said the project would be a successful undertaking and would strengthen the company’s water production capacity.