Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC) has announced plans to collaborate with the tourism industry to generate revenue in USD, in a bid to address long-standing foreign currency shortages affecting its operations.

Speaking to State media, MWSC Managing Director Abdul Matheen Mohamed said the company requires around USD 25 million annually for its operations, largely to import goods and diesel. He noted that despite three decades of service, the company has not had a reliable system to earn sufficient income in dollars.

To address the issue, MWSC is exploring agreements with tourism facilities, which already conduct transactions in USD. MD Matheen said the company is researching mechanisms to receive at least part of its payments from such clients in foreign currency.

In addition, discussions are under way with the Maldives Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) to involve MWSC in the resort project currently being developed in Haa Dhaalu Naagoashi. With experience in planning, designing, and operating water and sanitation systems, the company believes its expertise could be applied to tourism-sector projects while securing foreign currency revenue.

MD Matheen said MWSC’s board and management are committed to finding a permanent solution to the USD shortage, adding that the impact of these efforts should become visible in the coming months.