State utility service provider Fenaka Corporation has decided it will not be billing customers in Fuvahmulah City for water usage in November due to the interruption in water services that month.
Fuvahmulah had suffered an interruption to its water supply on November 10, depriving over 11,000 people who live in the city of access to water for three days. The state utility service, Fenaka Corporation, attributed the issue to contamination and leaks.
The company disinfected the pipeline and storage tanks and resumed water services on November 13. However, despite the insistence by the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) following tests that the water in the city fits the World Health Organization (WHO)’s standards for safety, multiple residents continue to complain that the tap water remains discolored and carries a foul odor.
Many have posted photos on social media, showing the discoloration.
Photos shared by Fuvahmulah residents allegedly of tap water.
In a statement on Tuesday, Fenaka noted the frequent disruptions to water and low pressure amid recent repair works on the city’s water network.
The utility service said it has therefore decided against billing customers in Fuvahmulah for water usage in November.
Fenaka also provided assurance it is engaged in continued efforts to resolve the issue and improve the quality of water services in the city.
Following mounting concern from the city’s residents, Fuvahmulah City Council has announced on November 17 that they planned to sue Fenaka.