Haalu Kihineh? B. Fulhadhoo: Plea of every citizen is for completion of island's water and sewerage project

Residents of B. Fulhadhoo have expressed deep concern over the prolonged suspension of the island's water and sewerage project.

Every resident of B. Fulhadhoo who spoke on RaajjeTV’s "Haalu Kihineh?" program expressed deep concern over the lack of a water and sewerage system on the island, noting that the groundwater has become foul-smelling and salty.

A resident of Fulhadhoo stated that although President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration has shown some intent to work, the island's water and sewerage project has made no progress. The resident further noted that there is currently no clear timeline for when these essential services will be established.

The water in this island emits a foul odor and tastes of salt. We are forced to use this water for bathing and all other daily needs, while managing waste by constructing makeshift street junctions to drain sewage. We are living without any proper water or sewerage systems. To be honest, the construction of the well rings should have been the final step after the piping was completed. Instead, they attempted to install these rings before the pipes. The workers on-site have since abandoned the project, and all progress has now come to a complete standstill.

A resident of B. Fulhadhoo

Another resident of Fulhadhoo stated that the lack of a proper water and sewerage system is causing persistent toilet blockages. He noted that while the current administration is purportedly installing a sewerage network by constructing three septic tanks, the project has been ongoing for four months without completion. Similarly, another resident highlighted the high volume of tourists visiting Fulhadhoo and expressed deep concern over the increasing salinity of the island's groundwater.

The responsibility for the project has been shifting back and forth between MWSC and Fenaka, alternating between the two companies. Currently, the water quality is extremely salty, which is a major concern given the high number of tourists in the area. I recently spoke with the Member of Parliament personally regarding this issue. The Member noted that global conflicts and related challenges have caused significant delays across these projects.

A resident of B. Fulhadhoo

Another resident of Fulhadhoo noted that while the island contributes significant tax revenue to the government through tourism, and despite frequent visits by high-ranking officials, no genuine effort has been made to resolve the island's water and sewerage crisis.

We are completely in the dark about what is happening. Since this administration took office, I believe the sewerage project has been handed over to three different parties, yet no progress has been made. It has been three or four months now, and they are still working on just three manholes. The initial team that arrived to carry out the work ended up abandoning the project after going three months without pay.

A resident of B. Fulhadhoo

Furthermore, a resident of Fulhadhoo stated that the majority of the building construction had been completed during President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's administration. The resident noted that while pipes had already been laid in certain parts of the island, they were subsequently transported to another island under the pretext that the pipes were too small.

Physical work on the water and sewerage project in B. Fulhadhoo was initially launched during the previous administration. However, the project came to a standstill following President Muizzu's assumption of office. Acknowledging that water and sewerage services are the most pressing needs for the island, President Muizzu has now provided assurances that work will resume in August 2025. The President further pledged to prioritize the project, ensuring it proceeds at an accelerated pace until completion.