Toriq: Atolls will receive water supply services same quality as Male

Environment Minister Toriq Ibrahim said on Monday that once government was done setting up water supply network in the islands, the islands in atolls would receive water supply services the same quality as that received in Male’.

Speaking at People’s Majlis in answer to a question posed by North Machangolhi MP Mariya Ahmed Didi, Toriq said that water taps and water meters were installed in each household when setting up water supply networks in atolls, same as Male’.

And that the water provided to all households were clean water, tested for its quality by Environment Protection Agency.

“RO plants are established in all islands. Water storage facilities are established, and water is released after desalinating it through RO plant. Water quality is tested by EPA before it is released,” said Toriq.

However, Toriq noted that the price charged for water was different in atolls compared to Male’, saying that it was because water tariff was decided by EPA.

“Water tariff for atolls is decided by EPA. Price is charged based on the tariff,” said Toriq.

Toriq was questioned regarding water supply services provided to constituencies that MPs represented during Monday’s session.

Kinbidhoo MP Abdulla Riyaz questioned when water supply networks would be set up in Th. Kinbidhoo and Th. Hirilandhoo.

Toriq said that it was not budgeted for this year.

“Hirilandhoo water supply network was not included in budget for 2015 either. Government is providing clean water and sewerage facilities to citizens. Water supply networks have been set up in 10 islands and sewerage networks have been set up in 10 islands during the two years of this administration. Work on setting up water supply networks in 9 islands and sewerage networks in 10 islands is in progress,” said Toriq.