In a significant push to upgrade national infrastructure, the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy has announced an ambitious plan to complete comprehensive water and sewerage systems in every inhabited island of the Maldives by the end of 2027.
This initiative marks a dramatic acceleration in the provision of essential services. When the current administration took office, only 66 islands had established water networks. To date, that number has more than doubled, with 141 islands now served by piped water systems. Construction is currently underway to connect an additional 75 islands, bringing the total coverage to over 90 percent.
Parallel progress is being made in sanitation. The Ministry reported that sewerage systems, which were present in 101 islands at the start of its term, have now been extended to 152 islands. Work is ongoing in the remaining 37 islands, with a firm deadline set for the end of next year to achieve universal coverage.
The drive is backed by the amended Water and Sewerage Act of 2025, which legally mandates the provision of these essential services within a specified timeframe. The amendment also strengthens the regulatory framework by introducing licensing requirements for professionals, establishing standards for water analysis laboratories, and prescribing penalties for the misuse of systems.
Beyond simply connecting islands, the Ministry is implementing a forward-looking National Water and Sewerage Policy. This policy focuses on sustainable management, including the conservation of natural freshwater resources, the adoption of innovative technologies, and significant investment in further research and human resource development for the sector.
Additionally, the project scope has been expanded to include providing services to newly reclaimed and dredged areas, ensuring that development and essential infrastructure progress in tandem. The Ministry emphasised that these efforts are coupled with enhanced technical guidance and capacity-building programs for local island councils, empowering them to manage these critical systems effectively.