Malé Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC) has been contracted to establish a water and sewerage system in the newly reclaimed area of Kaafu Maafushi, alongside the upgrading of the island’s existing sewerage network to a modern system.

The agreement was signed between the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure and MWSC, with Minister Dr Abdulla Muththalib signing on behalf of the Ministry and MWSC Managing Director Abdul Matheen Mohamed representing the company.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Minister said the Government is prioritising the replacement of Maafushi’s ageing sewerage system, noting that the current gravity-based system has faced persistent operational challenges. He stressed the importance of rapidly extending utility services to the newly populated reclaimed area to support housing and development needs on the island.

MWSC Managing Director Abdul Matheen Mohamed said mobilisation works will begin next week, with construction activities scheduled to commence immediately thereafter. He assured that the project would be implemented according to the agreed timeline.

Maafushi MP Hussain Riza said the island’s sewerage system, originally developed following the 2004 tsunami, is no longer adequate due to the rapid growth of guesthouses and increased population. He said the upgrade of sewerage infrastructure is essential to support public health, environmental protection and the continued expansion of the tourism and business sector on the island.

The project to establish water and sewerage services in the reclaimed area has been awarded at MVR 128 million and is scheduled for completion within 18 months. The scope of works includes the installation of two reverse osmosis plants with a combined production capacity of 1,500 tonnes of water, along with two water storage tanks with a total capacity of 3,500 tonnes.

The sewerage system upgrade project, valued at MVR 57 million, will also be completed within 18 months and includes the construction of sewerage pumping stations and junction chambers to improve the island’s wastewater management system.

Maafushi reclaimed a total of 25 hectares of land in 2021. Residents have long called for the extension of essential utility services to the new area to support settlement and development.