Maldives Water/Sanitation Regulator on Bed Rest

Maldives Water/Sanitation Authority (MWSA) is on bed rest, while millions of dollars are spent on water supply and sewerage projects

Maldives converted to Islam in the year 1153, followed by colonial powers by Portuguese, Dutch and British, become fully independent in the year 1965, after a long period of colonial rulings.

In the year 1968 Ibrahim Nasir was elected indirectly as the president of Maldives to a four year term by Majilis followed by a re-election of Mr. Nasir in the year 1973 under the new amended constitution in 1972. The year 1973 has been designated the Year of Ox in the Chinese Zodiac. Some of the events that happened in the year include the official opening of World Trade Centre in New York with a ribbon cutting ceremony, beginning of CN Tower (Worlds tallest tower from 1975-2007, in Canada) construction, opening of modern London Bridge by Queen Elizabeth II and official opening of Maldives Water and Sanitation Authority (MWSA) etc

MWSA, established in the year 1973, is one of the oldest existing government institutes. It was formed as a small office unit with few health workers due to spreading water born diseases such as gastroenteritis, typhoid, and cholera. Malaria, tuberculosis, filariasis, eye infections, poliomyelitis, venereal diseases, and leprosy etc. Waterborne and tropical communicable diseases in Maldives were prevalent as the result of an inadequate drinking water supply and poor sanitation practices.

However, today after thirty five years of long period of MWSA,s existence, at the time when there is high need for a strong independent Water/Sanitation Regulator free from other influences, the authority finds to be inactive, the chief administrator (Dr. M.Ali) of water/sanitation regulatory authority appears to be incapable and at sleep on bed rest.

The water/sanitation regulatory authority (MWSA) is the key institute responsible for setting regulations, tariff settings, checking the efficiency of the systems, maintaining the quality of products and system monitoring etc, but the regulatory authority on water/sanitation in Maldives is busy with making groundwater lens models, making posters on groundwater lens and testing presence of Hydrogen Sulphide in groundwater etc. while he is mandated to:-

• Regulate sector activities to ensure quality and standards of service.

• Regulate and determine water entitlement and allocation for the sub-sector.

• Establish guidelines, standards and regulations related to public water supply and waste water disposal, including the production, consumption, import, export and sale of water, to ensure efficient use, equity, transparency and accountability.

• Review proposals submitted by public and private entities to provide public water supply and sanitation services, issue licenses to competent parties and monitor compliance.

• Formulate and update tariff structures allowing adequate discretion to local level implementing authorities.

• Review public complaints and take necessary action to protect the interests of the public as well as the service providers.

• Review performances of public utilities providing water and sanitation services and take actions as may be required.

• In compliance with national water and sanitation policy, explore ways and means of enhancing private sector participation in the provision of public water supply and sanitation services by creating a competitive environment.

• Establish a mechanism for conflict resolution and settlement of disputes etc. (Water and Sanitation Policy Statement, Maldives, 2006)

After the 2004 tsunami disaster with the support of Donor Agencies and Development Banks etc. when millions of dollars are being spent on to sewerage system designs, implementation of sewerage systems, and installation of seawater RO plants etc. we find the water/sanitation regulator of this country at rest, not equipped with engineers and other resource people.