Friends in the international community help Maldives deal with water crisis

Minister of Defence and National Security Colonel Ret. Muhammad Nazim has said that various countries have been providing assistance to the Maldives deal with the water crisis in Malé the capital. He said that friends in the international community are sending expertise with necessary equipment to deal with the crisis, which began yesterday when a serious incident of fire incapacitated the only water-supplier in the capital.

Speaking at a press conference this morning, Naazim, who is also heading a special Task Force established by the government to tackle the water crisis, said that various countries have informed that they would provide generous assistance in this moment of grave emergency.

He said that India would provide 150 tons of water to Malé, and that the first flight carrying the water would land at Hulhulé Ibrahim Nasir International Airport at 12 this noon.

Naazim also said that two Indian military vessels capable of desalinating water are headed towards the Maldives and that one would arrive in Malé today while the other would reach destination tomorrow.

An American military vessel is also traveling to Malé with water, according to Naazim, and Sri Lanka is providing drinking water with every flight operated from the country to the Maldives.

When asked about the a permanent fix of the problem, Naazim said that water would be provided once every six hours, though the crisis might continue for three days.

“We would have difficulties for the three days that lie ahead, but we are certain that water would be provided once every six hours”, said Naazim.

Naazim said that three of the plants at the Maldives Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC) have been repaired to working condition and that when water is provided the next time, that being from 18 hrs. to 19 hrs. this evening, tall buildings would also be served.