Agreements signed with four companies regarding provision of safe drinking water in six islands

Agreements have been signed with four groups regarding the provision of safe drinking water in six islands.

Under the ‘Increasing Climate Resilience through an Integrated Water Resource Management Program’, the project to provide safe drinking water in Alifu Dhaalu Maamigili, Meemu Dhiggaru and Meemu Muli was awarded to the state water company, MWSC, at a ceremony held in Dharubaaruge today. This project will be financed by the government.

The Ministry of Environment and Energy said that the cost of this project, which will be completed in one year and three months, is MVR 117 million.

The projects to provide safe drinking water in Haa Alifu Ihavandhoo, Alifu Dhaalu Mahibadhoo and Gaafu Dhaalu Gadhdhoo were awarded to three private companies.

The ministry said that this project is financed by the UNFCC’s Adaptation Fund, and that about $8.2 million will be spent on this project.

Minister of Environment and Energy Dr Mariyam Shakeela said at today’s ceremony that under this project, desalination plants will be established and efforts will be made to improve the quality of drinking water.

She highlighted the problem of water shortage faced by islands during the dry season, and said that MVR 480 million had to be spent on providing water to islands in the dry season this year.