President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has inaugurated clean drinking water services in Hinnavaru Island of Lhaviyani Atoll.
The clean drinking water supply system funded by United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Hinnavaru uses two plants to produce 80 cubic metres of water per day. The system will supply clean water to 700 households and industrial zones in the island, according to Ministry of Environment and Energy. The USD 3.8 million project to establish clean drinking water services in Hinnavaru was launched in December 2015 and completed in May 2017.
President Yameen thanked USAID and the United States of America, for their contributions towards making the lives and livelihoods of Maldivians better, noting that the water treatment plant in Hinnavaru was a shining example of U.S. assistance.
The clean drinking water plant developed in Hinnavaru Island runs on 100% daytime energy acquired from solar cells, and will provide clean water to the populace from rain water treatment, in addition to desalinated water. This project will also provide more job opportunities for the local populace.
In his speech, the President extended his appreciation to UNOPS for their assistance in realizing the project, and shed light on the historical USAID contributions, noting that his education in the U.S. was facilitated through such aid, as such the President expressed special thanks to the U.S. both personally and on behalf of the Maldives, and its people.
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The government obtain loans to conduct development projects for the advancement of the community and thanked USAID, and UNOPS for the continued support, President Yameen stated while addressing the ceremony held to inaugurate the clean drinking water services.
Since 2013, the Maldivian government has completed the establishment of clean drinking water services in 17 islands, with projects ongoing in another 22 islands. Furthermore, the government has also completed the establishment of sewerage services in 18 islands, with projects ongoing in another 35 islands. The government aims to provide clean drinking water services and sewerage services to 70 percent of the Maldivian population by November 2018.