Maldives to Achieve Universal Water, Sewerage Coverage by End of 2027

The Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy has announced an ambitious plan to deliver comprehensive water and sewerage systems to every inhabited island in the Maldives by the end of 2027. This initiative represents a dramatic acceleration in the provision of essential services. When the current administration took office, only 66 islands had established water networks. That number has now more than doubled to 141 islands served by piped water systems. Construction is currently underway to connect an additional 75 islands, bringing total coverage to over 90 percent. Parallel progress is being made in sanitation. Sewerage systems, present in 101 islands at the start of the administration's term, have now been extended to 152 islands. Work is ongoing in the remaining 37 islands, with a firm deadline set for the end of next year to achieve universal coverage. The drive is backed by the amended Water and Sewerage Act of 2025, which legally mandates the provision of these essential services within a specified timeframe. The amendment strengthens the regulatory framework by introducing licensing requirements for professionals, establishing standards for water analysis laboratories, and prescribing penalties for the misuse of systems. Beyond connecting islands, the Ministry is implementing a forward-looking National Water and Sewerage Policy focused on sustainable management. This includes conservation of natural freshwater resources, adoption of innovative technologies, and significant investment in research and human resource development for the sector. The project scope has also been expanded to include newly reclaimed and dredged areas, ensuring development and essential infrastructure progress in tandem. These efforts are coupled with enhanced technical guidance and capacity-building programs for local island councils, empowering them to manage these critical systems effectively.