Parliament extends deadline for installation of water and sewerage systems in all islands

Parliament has approved a two-year extension to the deadline for installing adequate water and sewerage systems in all inhabited islands of Maldives.

The Water and Sewerage Act, which came into force five years ago, required nationwide completion within five years. That deadline expired last Tuesday, with some islands still lacking full services, although many projects remain underway.

The government proposed extending the deadline to 2027, which was passed today with 61 votes in favour and seven opposition MDP members voting against.

Former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had pledged to complete water and sewerage projects nationwide by 2023, but several islands remained unfinished by the end of his term.

Government MPs criticized the previous administration for failing to deliver, while MDP members accused the current government of opting to amend the law rather than expediting work.