President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the Second Amendment to the Water and Sewerage Act, following its approval during the 23rd sitting of the second session of the 2025 parliamentary term on Monday, 11 August 2025.

The amendment’s primary objective is to ensure that, by 2027, all inhabited islands of the Maldives have timely access to an adequate supply of water, through greater cooperation between the Government and relevant state authorities.

It also mandates the provision of technical assistance and advisory services to local councils for the delivery of water and sanitation services, as part of wider national programmes to strengthen council capacity. In addition, the amendment introduces licensing requirements for qualified professionals working in the water and sewerage sector.

Further provisions in the amendment include the establishment of laboratories within the Maldives to conduct water testing services and the introduction of penalties for individuals or entities found guilty of misusing water or sewerage systems.

Under the amendment, all rules and regulations required by the Act must be formulated and published within three months of its effective date.

Following ratification, the Second Amendment to the Water and Sewerage Act has been published in the Government Gazette and is now in force.