In commemoration of World Water Day, observed annually on 22 March to highlight the critical importance of freshwater resources, the Maldives has announced a series of landmark infrastructure projects designed to dramatically enhance water security for its population.
The Male’ Water and Sewerage Company Limited (MWSC) is spearheading these efforts, focusing on increasing storage capacity, boosting production, and pioneering innovative, sustainable methods to safeguard the nation's most vital resource.
In an exclusive interview with PSM News, MWSC Managing Director Abdul Matheen Mohamed outlined the significant progress being made. A key achievement is the interconnection of the water networks between Male’ and Hulhumale’ via the Sinamale’ Bridge, a strategic link capable of supplying 20,000 tonnes of water per day between the islands, ensuring greater resilience.
Matheen revealed an ambitious expansion plan for the future, with two new 13,000-tonne storage tanks already operational, an additional 13,000-tonne facility is set to begin construction this year to support the growing population in Hulhumale’.
"When these works are completed in 2027, the water storage capacity of the Male’ area will increase by 130 percent," he stated. Concurrently, water production is being boosted, with a recently completed project adding 5,000 tonnes of daily capacity, contributing to a 25 percent overall increase in the region.
The most groundbreaking initiative is a pilot project in Kulhudhuffushi City—a diesel-free water production plant powered entirely by solar energy. This system integrates a 500 kW solar array, a substantial 1450 kW battery storage system, and a 500-tonne reverse osmosis (RO) plant.
Matheen emphasised the profound strategic value of this approach, calling it a major safeguard.
"Providing a basic service like water without diesel is a huge safeguard. Whether it is a war situation, a natural disaster, or just economically... the price change is not passed directly to the consumer," he explained, noting it protects citizens from global oil price fluctuations and subsidy burdens on the state budget.
Marking World Water Day, these initiatives, according to Matheen, signal a new chapter for the Maldives. The MWSC is not only achieving its mandate of establishing reliable water and sewerage services but is doing so by leveraging natural resources to ensure sustainable development and long-term resilience for all its citizens, he added.