Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Technology Aminath Shauna and Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture Hussain Rasheed Hassan have inaugurated the water system installed in Nolhivaranfaru, Haa Dhaalu Atoll.
The Nolhivaranfaru water system project was carried out with the assistance of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Government of Maldives. The project was contracted to Canadian Crystalline Water India Limited. Fenaka Corporation Limited has now commenced providing water services to the island. Under the project, a 16.7m water network was established on the island.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Nolhivaranfaru water system, Minister Shauna said that a sustainable water system is an important service for every island. The minister said that due to climate change, water scarcity is an issue faced by many islands. She added the problem will be solved with the drinking water storage system established as part of the project.
The ceremony was attended by Parliamentarian Mohamed Nasheed Abdulla who thanked the government for continuing the project despite the difficult situation in the country. President of Nolhivaranfaru Island Council Abdulla Nadheem said the project has already installed a water network for 200 households on the island. The system will also provide safe water services to newly settled areas on the island, he said.
Under the project, two 45-tonne reverse osmosis (RO) plants have been installed in Nolhivaranfaru. The plant will produce 90cbm of water per day. Additionally, a 300 tonne tank has also been installed to store the water produced by the plant.
People from Maavaidhoo, Faridhoo, and Kunburudhoo were relocated to Nolhivaranfaru. The total population of the island is now 1,800.