The water and sewerage system project in Vaadhoo island of Gaaf Dhaal atoll has been fully completed for some time, yet remains unused, pending an official inauguration ceremony from President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

According to Vaadhoo Council President Hassan Abdulla, the project which was initiated during former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration, was completed months ago, but the island’s residents are still waiting for the government to officially commence services. The only remaining step, he noted, is for the president to visit the island and press the ceremonial button to activate the system.

The project, implemented by the Malé Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC), was completed and commissioned on 15 June 2025. Despite the official commissioning, the system has yet to be brought into operation, raising questions about delays in delivering essential services already funded and finished.

The sewerage component includes an 8.2-kilometer network, five pumping stations and a treatment plant capable of processing 290 kiloliters of wastewater daily. The water system consists of a nine-kilometer distribution network, two 67-ton reverse osmosis (RO) plants, and a 1.8-kilometer rainwater collection system. For storage, two 532-cubic-meter tanks for RO water and one for rainwater have been installed.

The total cost of the project amounted to MVR 60.6 million. Designed to provide safe drinking water and a proper sewerage network, the project was considered a major step toward improving living conditions in Vaadhoo.

However, while infrastructure stands ready, residents continue to wait for access to these basic services.

Hassan also highlighted growing frustration over other public service issues, particularly the rising cost of electricity. He said residents are struggling with unaffordable bills, and local councils lack the authority to take effective action due to limitations in the Decentralization Act. Without greater local empowerment, he argued, real progress and problem-solving at the island level will remain elusive.

For now, Vaadhoo’s completed water and sewerage system remains idle, with its activation stalled for what appears to be a matter of political ceremony rather than technical readiness.