Ministry of Tourism and Environment has launched the Maldives’ first-ever Water and Sewerage Emergency Response Plan (W.S.E.P) guidebook, aimed at helping utilities prepare for disasters and ensure continuity in essential water and sanitation services.

Developed with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), the guide outlines procedures for managing emergencies such as water contamination, sewer leaks, tidal surges, and floods. It includes risk assessments, response strategies, and resource management to maintain service quality and protect public health during crises.

To familiarise service providers with the new guidelines and templates, a dedicated training programme was held. Utilities are now expected to use the guidebook to formulate their own emergency response plans.

The initiative comes at a time when over 91 per cent of the Maldivian population across 133 islands has access to water supply systems, and more than 93 per cent in 144 islands have piped sanitation services.

Minister Thoriq Ibrahim officially launched the guidebook, highlighting its role in building resilient and sustainable water and sanitation infrastructure across the country.