President ratifies Second Amendment to the Water and Sewerage Act

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu approved the Second Amendment to the Water and Sewerage Act (Act No: 8/2020) today. The legislation was approved in the 23rd meeting of the second session of the 2025 parliamentary term, which took place on Monday, 11 August 2025.

The main goal of the Amendment is to require collaboration between the Government and appropriate State authorities to guarantee that, by 2027, every inhabited island in the Republic of Maldives has prompt access to a sufficient water supply.

The Amendment requires that local councils receive technical assistance and advisory services regarding water and sanitation services, as part of national initiatives designed to enhance council capabilities. It also presents licensing standards for qualified professionals working in the water and sewerage industries.

Furthermore, the Amendment provides for the creation of laboratories to perform water testing services domestically, while setting penalties for those individuals or entities deemed guilty of misusing water or sewer systems.

According to the Amendment, the rules and regulations mandated by the Act must be developed and released within three months from the effective date.