President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified an amendment to the Water and Sewerage Act, extending the deadline for completing water and sewerage systems in all inhabited islands of the Maldives by an additional two years.

The original Act, enacted five years ago, set August 4, 2025, as the deadline.

However, while several projects are in progress, many islands are still without completed facilities.

The revised deadline now requires nationwide completion by 2027.

The amendment, submitted on behalf of the government by Dhidhdhoo MP Abdul Latheef Mohamed, was passed by the Parliament on August 11.

According to the President’s Office, the changes also mandate technical guidance and capacity building for island councils, the introduction of licensing requirements for professionals in the sector, and enhanced water quality testing services.

Under the law, regulations to implement these provisions must be published within three months of the amendment’s enforcement.