President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring safe, reliable, and affordable water and sanitation services across all inhabited islands, describing water security as a national priority.

In his World Water Day message, he noted that despite being surrounded by ocean, securing freshwater remains a challenge.

He highlighted that shortages place a heavier burden on women and girls, who often manage household water needs during disruptions and extreme weather.

The President outlined efforts to strengthen water resilience, including upgrading desalination systems, protecting freshwater lenses, and expanding community-based solutions such as rainwater harvesting.

He also stressed the need to improve technical capacity, regulation, and emergency preparedness to address issues like salinity intrusion.

He further called for greater participation of women in water governance, noting their role is key to building resilient communities, and that empowering their voices is crucial to building healthier, more resilient island communities and ensured that “where water flows, equality grows.”.

President Dr. Muizzu urged collective action from communities, civil society, utilities, and development partners to protect water resources and strengthen systems, reaffirming that access to water and sanitation underpins equality, safety, and opportunity for all.

World Water Day is observed annually on March 22, with this year’s theme, “Water and Gender.”