State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) has revealed that a water plant has started supplying water for public use through temporary water taps to solve the problems faced by the residents of Dhangethi, Alifu Dhaalu Atoll.
Dhangethi is one of the islands in the Maldives that is usually flooded during the rainy season. According to the President of Dhangethi Council Muaaviyath Rasheed, the water service established by the previous government in the island has not been used until recently. He said that when the water service was completed and water was released for testing, it leaked from the main pipe and the pipe broke. As such, he said the service was abandoned afterwards by the previous government.
The government has uninstalled the water plants in Dhangethi and handed over the task of installing two more plants to STELCO. The two newly installed plants are not providing water services due to water leaks from the main pipeline. The council, STELCO and the Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure are making efforts together to resolve the issue and replace the pipeline.
STELCO took the initiative to provide water to the residents of Dhangethi at the request of the council. Water is being supplied through 10 taps. The service is provided from 0700-1000hrs and from 1600-1800hrs and will be free of charge, according to the council.
The Utility Regulation Authority has confirmed that the water supplied by STELCO is safe for drinking and cooking. Therefore, Muaaviyath said that the provision of such a service has brought satisfaction for the residents of the island. The government has assured to provide water and sewerage services before the end of this term.