The National Water and Sewerage Policy was launched today by His Excellency Minister Thoriq Ibrahim at a ceremony held at Champa Central Hotel.

Speaking at the ceremony Minister Thoriq expressed that the main objective of this new policy is to ensure access to safe water supply and adequate sewerage services by adopting cost-effective, environment friendly and appropriate technologies and strengthen legal framework.

Minister also stressed that the policy will encourage private sector investments in the sector and will facilitate in building capacity of the relevant institutions. This policy will also strengthen advocacy and awareness, promote research and development for protection and conservation of water resources.

In his concluding remarks, Minister noted that His Excellency President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has brought transformational change to the water and sewerage sector. Under his Excellency’s leadership, over the past 3 years, 17 islands provided with water supply system while 18 islands provided with adequate sewerage system. Minister assured that within governments 5-year term this figures will go up to 23 and 49 respectively achieving governments pledge of providing water and sewerage access to 75% of the population.