Growing public outcry in Dhonfanu as water and sewerage project remains stalled despite reaching 85 percent completion under previous administration
6 ނޮވެމްބަރު 2026 | ހުކުރު 08:31Although 85 percent of the water and sewerage project in B. Dhonfanu has been completed, the prolonged delay in finishing the remaining work has caused significant hardship for residents. Highlighting the severe health risks posed by sewage contamination during the rainy season, the island’s Women’s Development Committee has urgently called for the swift completion of these essential services.
Sahumeena Ali, President of the Dhonfanu Women's Development Committee, speaking during Friday's "Fashaairu" program. | RaajjeMV
The Women's Development Committee (WDC) of B. Dhonfanu has stated that the primary concern for local residents is the prolonged delay in completing the island's water and sewerage project, despite the majority of the infrastructure being finished.
Speaking on Friday's "Fashaairu" program, Sahumeena Ali, President of the Dhonfanu Women's Development Committee (WDC), highlighted several key challenges currently facing the island.
Sahumeena stated that, both as a resident and as the President of the Women's Development Committee (WDC), her primary concern remains the ongoing issues surrounding the island's water and sewerage systems.
The most pressing issue facing our island, both from my perspective as the President of the Women's Development Committee and as a resident, is the dire state of the water and sewerage system. We are currently dealing with stagnant pools of water that simply do not drain. Whenever the rainy season arrives, the situation worsens as sewage overflows and mixes with floodwaters, forcing even small children to navigate through contaminated water.Sahumeena Ali
Sahmeena stated that approximately 85 percent of the project, which commenced in mid-2022, was completed within about a year. She noted that while only a small portion remains, it is unclear why the work has been stalled for so long without reaching full completion. However, Sahmeena observed that various government officials continue to visit the island under the guise of moving the project forward.
Sahumeena expressed hope that the remaining work on the water and sewerage project would be completed swiftly, ensuring that residents receive access to these essential services as soon as possible. She further noted that this remains the primary aspiration for the majority of the island's population, emphasizing that the establishment of water and sewerage infrastructure is currently their most critical basic need.
