In a significant step toward strengthening the capital’s water infrastructure, the Maldives Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC) has announced plans to bring an additional 10,000 tonnes of water storage capacity online in the Greater Malé area by June this year.
Speaking to local media, MWSC Managing Director Abdul Matheen Mohamed said the new storage tanks — constructed in Hulhumalé — have already been physically completed. Work is now underway to install the pumps and pipeline systems that will connect the tanks to the city’s main supply network.
“Once the final connections are in place, we expect the expanded storage system to be fully operational by June,” Matheen confirmed, emphasizing the importance of water security in a densely populated urban zone like Malé.
Boosting Production Capacity
Alongside storage improvements, MWSC is pushing forward with efforts to expand water production capacity in the capital. A new desalination plant with a production capacity of 10,000 tonnes is currently under construction, with foundation work already in progress.
Matheen noted that the project was awarded through international bidding, and several components of the facility have already been fabricated, with some materials delivered to Malé. The plant is expected to be up and running by the end of the year.
A Long-Term Overhaul of Water Infrastructure
This initiative is part of a broader strategy by MWSC to modernize and expand water infrastructure across the Greater Malé Region. Matheen also revealed that the company is in the process of replacing the city’s aging water storage units with two 13,000-tonne tanks — a move that would more than double Malé’s current storage capacity from 13,000 tonnes to 26,000 tonnes.
These developments are seen as critical in ensuring water reliability, particularly during peak demand periods and unforeseen disruptions. With the capital’s population and tourism-driven water consumption on the rise, Matheen said that strategic infrastructure investments like these are essential for long-term resilience.
Forward-Looking Vision
As climate change continues to impact island nations, the Maldives’ push to fortify its essential services infrastructure reflects a growing commitment to sustainability and preparedness. The expansion of both production and storage facilities by MWSC signals a forward-looking approach to urban planning and resource management.
The public can expect further updates on the project’s progress as the June commissioning date approaches.
