URA to Introduce Professional Licensing for Electricity, Water and Waste Sectors

The Utility Regulatory Authority (URA) is introducing a mandatory licensing system for professionals working across four key utility sectors to ensure service quality and safety standards are met nationwide. Speaking on PSM News’ Raajje Miadhu programme, URA Director of Utility Management Ali Mishaal announced that the authority is establishing frameworks to license professionals in electricity, water, sewerage, and waste management. The initiative aims to standardize the quality of utility services delivered to the public by verifying the qualifications, experience, and technical competence of practitioners. According to Mishaal, the URA has already established a system to identify personnel within the electricity sector. The authority will now shift its focus toward developing licensing protocols for water and sewerage professionals, followed by those specializing in waste management. The scope of these licenses will extend beyond field operations to include professionals involved in the design and development of utility systems. Complementing this licensing drive, URA Energy Engineer Ahmed Naufal stated that the authority is strengthening its administrative procedures for the inspection and monitoring of service providers. By developing more rigorous regulations, the URA intends to create a transparent system that prioritizes consumer rights and service reliability. Naufal emphasized that these measures directly impact the daily lives of residents, noting that the authority conducts daily water quality checks and monitors electricity standards to ensure sustainability and reliability. As the primary government body tasked with overseeing public utilities, the URA operates under the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. Its core mandate is to maintain consistent service standards across the archipelago, safeguard consumer rights, and manage a robust system for handling public complaints.