Speaker of the People’s Majlis, Abdul Raheem Abdulla, has refused to accept an emergency motion submitted over the ongoing water crisis in Fuvahmulah City, arguing that the claim that residents are not receiving clean water is “not true.”
During Monday’s sitting, North Galolhu MP Mohamed “Kudoo” Ibrahim attempted to submit an emergency motion highlighting serious concerns about the quality of water being supplied to Fuvahmulah. However, Speaker Abdul Raheem blocked the motion, saying that emergency motions must be based on facts.
He said the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) had confirmed on Friday that the water supplied to Fuvahmulah meets World Health Organization (WHO) standards, and therefore the situation described in the motion did not match official findings.
But residents of Fuvahmulah strongly disagree. Since service was restored after a shutdown earlier this month, people have been posting on social media that the water is cloudy, impure, and has a strong foul smell. The Fuvahmulah City Council also said it cannot guarantee that the water is safe for consumption.
The island’s water system suffered major problems, and the service was suspended on November 10 after contamination was detected. While water supply resumed four days later, many residents say the water remains contaminated and unsafe.
The issue has become a heavy burden for the community, with many pointing out that access to clean and safe drinking water is a basic right.
During President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s recent visit to the island, the City Council raised the issue directly with him and stressed the seriousness of the crisis.
