Fieldwork has begun for the development of a sewerage system in Thoddoo, Alifu Alifu Atoll.
Ministry of National Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure contracted JMC Projects (India) Limited in 2021 to complete the development of the sewerage system in Thoddoo. JMC Projects has begun the fieldwork after transporting the necessary equipment and resources to the island. The work includes installing sewer junctions and connecting them to households. The company is required to complete the project within two years and two months at a cost of USD1.9 million, to be funded through the credit facility provided by EXIM Bank of India.
The government has been contracting companies to establish water supply and sewerage systems in all inhabited islands. The development of a sewerage system is important for Thoddoo due to its increasing population. Thoddoo has a population of over 2,000 residents with around 700 workers in the local tourism businesses, including 50 guesthouses.
Speaking to PSM News, President of Thoddoo Island Council Ahmed Karam said that a sewerage system is needed on the island due to the increase in households and the difficulty in establishing sewer junctions inside the houses. He said the main issue is that the lack of an adequate sewerage system is resulting in the contamination of the water table of the island.