Press release issued in relation to the resolution presented at the 7th urgent meeting of this council in 2025 regarding water services provided by Fenaka Corporation to this city

This council has repeatedly submitted proposals to relevant government institutions to find a permanent solution to water system issues in this city. However, with no adequate solution being found, and water service interruptions starting from mid-October 2024, along with increasing public complaints about water contamination, this council has officially requested relevant parties to share detailed information and the latest test results. The Utility Regulatory Authority has visited this city and conducted an inspection. Water samples were also taken for testing. The Utility Regulatory Authority's inspection report highlighted numerous issues and instructed Fenaka to rectify 7 matters:

Repair and begin operating the problematic water plant.

Repair the problematic boreholes as soon as possible and resume usage.

Repair and begin using the third storage tank

Conduct a leak assessment to identify system leaks and determine and resolve the causes of leakage.

Survey and identify houses with cross connections and stop such connections.

Establish arrangements to test water supplied to Fuvahmulah City residents in accordance with standards set by the Utility Regulatory Authority.

Prepare a proposal and work schedule to upgrade Fuvahmulah's water system considering the increasing water demand.

Due to recent test results showing significant bacterial contamination, water supply was completely suspended across the city. The council requested Fenaka not to resume water supply without ensuring water safety. However, water distribution resumed from November 13. The council has shared its concerns with the Health Protection Agency, Maldives Food and Drug Authority, and Ministry of Health.

On the afternoon of November 14, the Maldives Food and Drug Authority confirmed the water distributed in this city is safe. The council requested sharing the conducted tests and their results, but this information has not yet been received. Residents continue to submit complaints about water safety.

Therefore, the council appeals to Fenaka Corporation not to distribute water to the city's residents through water supply until the Utility Regulatory Authority approves the completion of the recommended improvements and notifies the council. Given that the council has no certainty about the safety of water being distributed by Fenaka without completing the recommended actions, the council urges residents to be cautious when using supplied water.

Furthermore, ensuring clean and safe drinking water for residents is the council's responsibility. The council has decided to conduct independent tests through an independent neutral party and establish uninterrupted regular testing arrangements. The council is also working to expedite the project for bottling water for easier service provision.

As providing safe water for residents' basic needs is a human right, and residents are being deprived of this, the council will submit the matter to the Human Rights Commission of Maldives. The council has also decided to proceed with legal action, requesting the court to order Fenaka Corporation to ensure water safety and comply fully with standards set by the Utility Regulatory Authority and other relevant agencies.

25 Jumada al-Ula 1447 H

16 November 2025 AD