The Government expects water and sewerage systems to be completed on the remaining 82 inhabited islands by 2028, the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy has announced.

Speaking at a press conference at the President's Office, the ministry said water systems have already been established on 143 islands, while sewerage systems have been completed on 152 islands. Of the remaining islands, 46 are yet to receive water systems and 36 are still without sewerage systems.

The ministry said most of the country's water and sewerage infrastructure has now been completed, with an estimated MVR 3.3 billion required to upgrade systems nationwide. Work is currently underway on several major infrastructure projects, including an additional 5,000-tonne desalination plant, a 26,000-tonne storage tank and a 13,000-tonne water storage tank in Hulhumalé. Plans are also progressing to connect the water networks of Malé and Hulhumalé via the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge.

Officials also described the recent transfer of utility services on several islands from Fenaka Corporation to STELCO as a significant step towards improving water and sewerage services.

The Government has also introduced a National Water and Sewerage Policy to support the sustainable development of the sector and strengthen the protection of the country's freshwater resources. Last year, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu ratified amendments to the law requiring all inhabited islands to have water and sewerage systems in place by the end of 2027.