The installation of water and sewerage systems in the newly reclaimed area of Maafushi, Kaafu Atoll, and the upgrading and conversion of the old sewerage system in the island’s populated area have been handed over to the Male’ Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC).
The contracts were signed by Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure, Dr Abdulla Muththalib on behalf of the government and Abdul Matheen Mohamed, Managing Director of MWSC.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Minister emphasised that replacing the problematic old sewerage system, currently a small-bore system, with a more modern gravity system is important for an island such as Maafushi, where local tourism is flourishing. He also noted that establishing utility services in the newly populated area is of importance.
MWSC’s Managing Director Matheen said site mobilisation is expected to begin next week, with practical work launching immediately after. He assured that the project will be completed on schedule.
The Member of Parliament representing the Maafushi constituency, Hussain Riza highlighted the economic importance of the projects. He said while the current sewerage system was established post-2004 tsunami, the rapid increase in guesthouses to the island has made the current system ineffective, with several problems arising. He noted that high-quality sewerage infrastructure is essential for further business expansion.
Water and sewerage installation in the newly reclaimed area was contracted to MWSC for USD 8.3 million, to be completed over 18 months. The project’s scope includes the installation of two Reverse Osmosis (RO) plants, each with a capacity of 1,500 tonnes. The installation of two 3,500-tonne water tanks are also included.
The upgrade of the existing sewerage system was contracted for USD 3.7 million, also to be completed within 18 months. It includes establishment of a new sewerage pumping station as well as installation of a sewerage junction.