Housing Minister reveals expenses for stormwater drainage project
15 drainage pumps had been installed under the project
Flooding in capital city Male\'
Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has revealed that MVR 37 million was spent for the Male' Stormwater Management project in the capital city Male’.
On Tuesday, Dr. Muizzu has drawn severe public criticism over his claim that most of the stormwater pump systems in capital city Male’ have been destroyed purposefully.
Later that day, Minister Muizzu publicized details of the ministry's expenses regarding the project. As such, it was revealed that MVR 37 million has been spent since 2014 for the stormwater drainage system.
While most of the work under the project contracted to Maldives Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC) has been completed, according to the details published by Dr. Muizzu, some works are still proceeding.
Details show that a total of 15 pumps has been installed under the project. As such, four has been installed in phases one, three and four each, with three having been installed in phase two.
It is notable that minister Muizzu has said that he does not even remember the last time roads of the capital city had been flooded. This comes at a time torrential downpour continues to flood the streets of the capital for the past three days.
Back in 2015 and 2016, the MWSC claimed that they will solve the flooding issues in Male’ within a month. The company had asserted that they will be developing a system that will drain water within a maximum of 45 minutes.
While some roads have flooded with water levels rising up to two feet within the past few days, others have flooded so much that it is challenging for vehicles to pass through. The Ministry has since come under for fire for careless conduct.
