The Male’ City Council has begun to implement a lasting solution to water pressure management issues impacting the city’s tall buildings, resulting in tens of thousands of residents in the capital lacking water during peak times.

Deputy Mayor Mekhael Mohamed Riyaz brought up the issue during a city council meeting on Wednesday.

Mekhael observed that residents on higher floors of tall buildings struggle to obtain water supply during peak demand times, particularly on weekends.

He mentioned that occupants of certain houses have consistently voiced their concerns about being entirely without water during specific times.

Mekhael voiced worries about the financial strain on residents if they aim to address the problem by installing booster pumps and similar equipment.

He mentioned that the situation was quite unjust, as individuals residing, for instance, on the sixth floor are charged the same water tariff rates as those on the first floor, but must spend approximately MVR 80,000 to set up equipment to guarantee water access.

He stated that this is a financial strain that typical middle-class families cannot handle.

Mekhael suggested conversing about the matter with Male’ Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC) and the Utility Regulatory Authority (URA). He additionally suggested encouraging officials to permit individuals to install pumps that meet safety standards via more affordable third-party suppliers.

The motions received a second from Hussain Furushan, the representative of North Maafannu.

Mayor Adam Azim recognized that the problem was a significant weight on the community and assured that the city council would strive to find a quick resolution.