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The Maldives relies heavily on desalination to meet its freshwater needs, as most islands lack natural freshwater sources.
Mohamed Hilmy
22 March 2026, 17:47
Managing Director of the Maldives Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC), Abdul Matheen, has stated that the government has made significant strides in ensuring the safety and reliability of water services across the country.
Marking World Water Day, Matheen said the government’s efforts are aligned with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s policy of designing and establishing water systems that maximise the use of the Maldives’ natural resources. He noted that these initiatives aim to ensure uninterrupted water services despite challenges posed by climate change, natural disasters, and global conflicts.
The Maldives relies heavily on desalination to meet its freshwater needs, as most islands lack natural freshwater sources. MWSC currently provides water and sewerage services to dozens of islands nationwide, with a growing focus on renewable energy integration to reduce operational costs and carbon emissions.
As part of these efforts, a key project led by MWSC in Kulhudhuffushi, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, has reached completion. The project focuses on generating water using solar energy instead of diesel, with full operational capacity expected by 2025.
According to Matheen, the system is currently undergoing testing. Once completed, it will enable the island to produce sufficient water for its entire population without relying on diesel. This shift is expected to significantly reduce fuel consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions, while improving the long-term sustainability of water production.
The Maldives is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, with rising sea levels posing a threat to freshwater security. Officials have increasingly prioritised resilient and sustainable infrastructure, including rainwater harvesting systems and solar-powered desalination technologies.
Matheen described the Kulhudhuffushi project as the beginning of a new chapter in delivering environmentally sustainable water services to inhabited islands across the Maldives.
“This is a significant step forward in the Maldives’ journey towards sustainable development,” he said, expressing appreciation to all those who contributed to the successful implementation of the project.
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