National Water and Sewerage Strategic Plan 2020-2025

PAGE 2 WATER AND SANITATION DEPARTMENT MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT PAGE 2 PAGE 3 CONTENTS ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS 4 FOREWORD 5 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 6 INTRODUCTION 7 VISION 7 MISSION 7 BACKGROUND 8 POLICY AND STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK 10 IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK 24 MONITORING AND EVALUATION 24 REFERENCES 25 PAGE 4 ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS MoEn Ministry of Environment EPA Environmental Protection Agency SDG Sustainable Development Goals NWSP National Water and Sewerage Policy NGO Non-Governmental Organization CSO Civil Society Organization MNPHI Ministry of National Planning Housing and Infrastructure MLSA Maldives Land and Survey Authority AGO Attorney General’s Office MOE Ministry of Education MOH Ministry of Health FCL FENAKA Corporation Limited MWSC Male’ Water and Sewerage Company STELCO State Electric Company URA Utility Regulatory Authority MEA Maldives Energy Authority MOF Ministry of Finance MoFA Ministry of Foreign Affairs NDMA National Disaster Management Authority HPA Health Protection Agency MMS Maldives Meteorological Services PCB Privatization Corporation Board MOED Ministry of Economic Development MOHE Ministry of Higher Education MoHUD Ministry of Housing and Urban Development TVETA Technical, Vocational Education and Training Authority MNU Maldives National University NDC National Data Centre CTO Chief Technology Officer MMRI Maldives Marine Research Institute MQA Maldives Qualification Authority MoFMRA Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture MoT Ministry of Tourism MoIF Ministry of Islamic Affairs NGO Non-governmental Organization CBO Community Based Organizations RUC Regional Urban Centers MoYSCE Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Engagement MoGFSS Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services WASH Water, Sanitation and Hygiene PAGE 4 PAGE 5 FOREWORD The water and sewerage sector is of strategic importance and vital for the country’s economic and social development. Provision of safe water supply and adequate sanitation for all inhabited islands irrespective of the size of the island and population is recognized by the Government as a high priority. This National Water and Sewerage Strategic Plan (NWSSP 2020-2025) pro- vides the strategic framework for the development of the water and sanita- tion sector. Adequate and improved water and sewerage services are vital for a better future; a future where every person has adequate, safe, affordable water to lead a healthy and productive life; a future in which sustainable water re- sources are available for social and economic development without harming the environment; a future where every person has access to improved sewerage service. On the other hand, flooding due to natural events such as heavy rain and inundations causes heavy impacts to livelihood and are likely to become more frequent in the future with changing climate conditions. This Strategic Plan also addresses flooding, drainage issues and managing their societal, environmental and financial impacts. NWSSP 2020-2025 will also contribute to improve hygiene, health and wellbeing of the population through improved water and sewerage services leading to positive economic growth and development to meet the aspirations of the people of Maldives. The NWSSP 2020-2025 is aligned with the National Strategic Action Plan (NSAP 2019-2023) of the Government developed in 2019, and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 to affirm Maldives commit- ments regarding the right to safe drinking water and sanitation for our citizens. The Government is firm in its commitment to developing the water and sanitation sector in the coming years. As such the water and the sewerage sector has seen a significant improvement in recent years. By the end of 2019, the population with access to piped water and sewerage reached 68% and 79% respec- tively (MoEn, 2020). The Government’s target is to continue this momentum and provide access to safe water supply and adequate sewerage services in all inhabited islands by end of 2023. I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to all who contributed in formulating this National Water and Sewerage Strategic Plan (NWSSP 2020-2025) under the Water and Sewerage Act (Act No.8/2020). I am confident that with support from all relevant stakeholders, we will be able to achieve the goals and objectives identified for the sector for the betterment of the livelihoods of the present and future gener- ations. Hussain Rasheed Hassan, PhD Minister of Environment PAGE 6 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The water and sewerage strategies and targets included in this plan are essentially from the National Strategic Action Plan (NSAP 2019-2023) that has been endorsed by the Government in 2019. The NSAP 2019-2023 unveiled on 3rd October 2019, was formulated through a wide range of stakeholder consul- tation, which includes development priorities, targets and a time table for delivery of manifesto pledges. The guiding principles in formulating water and sewerage sector strategies included in the NSAP 2019- 2023 are among the strategies outlined in the National Water and Sewerage Policy published in 2017. The Ministry of Environment would like to acknowledge and express its deep appreciation to all stake- holders who participated in and contributed to the preparation of NSAP 2019-2023 and NWSSP 2020- 2025. The staff at the Water and Sewerage Department of the Ministry of Environment were instrumental in the NWSSP 2020-2025 development process. The Ministry would like to make a special mention of their contributions and express gratitude to all staff involved. The authors of this NWSSP 2020-2025 would like to thank Dr Hussain Rasheed Hassan, Minister of En- vironment for his support and invaluable guidance in formulating the NWSSP 2020-2025. PAGE 6 PAGE 7 INTRODUCTION The National Water and Sewerage Strategic Plan (NWSSP 2020-2025) is a legal requirement under the Clause 14 (a) of Water and Sewerage Act (Act No. 8/2020). The water and sewerage strategies and tar- gets included in this NWSSP 2020-2025 are from the National Strategic Action Plan (NSAP 2019-2023) endorsed by the Government in 2019. The government’s five-year NSAP 2019-2023 was unveiled on 3rd October 2019 with development priorities, targets and time table for delivery of the pledges in the elec- tion manifesto. The guiding principles in formulating water and sewerage sector strategies included in the NSAP 2019-2023 are from the strategies outlined in the National Water and Sewerage Policy published in 2017. • Provide efficient, effective and reliable water supply and sewerage services. • Promote conservation and management of the water resources. • Develop sector capacity for sustainable management of resources and services. Ensure equitable access to safe water and im- proved sewerage services for all. PAGE 8 BACKGROUND The Maldives consists of 1192 small, low-lying, flat, coral islands spread over more than 90,000 sq. km. stretch of the Indian Ocean. The scattered and uneven distribution of population poses many challenges to the provision of basic services such as water and sewerage. Population congestion in the capital island Male’, coupled with distribution of a population of 402,071 (census 2014) across 188 islands, is recognized as one of the biggest de- velopment challenges facing the country. In many islands, populations are concentrated in small land masses resulting in high population densities. The country has an average elevation of 1.5 meters above sea- level. The Maldives is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change and one of the immediate impacts is concerning its freshwa- ter resources. Due to the small size and low-lying nature of the islands, surface freshwater is generally lack- ing, except for a few swampy areas with fresh or brackish water in some islands. Naturally availa- ble water resources in the Maldives are rainwater and groundwater. While the Maldivian islands re- ceive a considerable rainfall ranging from 1700 to 2300 mm annually, the country experiences a dry period from December to April. Shallow ground- water aquifers are formed in thin lenses over the salt water, just one or two meters below the land surface. The porous sandy soil in the islands make the thin freshwater lens highly vulnerable to ele- vation of salinity level due to saltwater intrusion. Contamination from inappropriate waste disposal and sub-standard sanitation practices makes the groundwater unsuitable for human consumption in many of the islands. Climate-change driven sea-level rise compounded with increasing storm- surge, swell activities and reduction of stormwater infiltration due to increase of built-up areas de- teriorates groundwater quality. Increasing water supply needs of the nation are largely met through desalinated seawater, which is either directly sup- plied to the households and communal tap-bays or bottled and distributed. In addition to excess storm water, swell and tid- al waves also cause flooding in the islands of the Maldives, causing extensive damages to critical infrastructure, properties and household goods. It also results in saltwater intrusion into groundwater aquifers, coastal erosion and impacts livelihoods (Second National Communication of Maldives, MEE, 2016). The Government aspires to bring a lo- calized, sustainable solution to minimize impacts from flood damage in the islands. As custodians of the welfare of families and man- agers of household economies, women generally bear the brunt of the deficits in water supply, sew- erage and flood management systems. In many households in the outer islands, it is women who are responsible for fetching water from centralized tap-bays and other remote sources. Therefore, im- proving the water supply and sewerage access di- rectly contributes to the welfare of women. The Government believes that there is a need to improve women’s role and increase their involve- ment in the technical operations and management of the water and sewerage sector. As such, it is cru- cial to increase the female workforce in the utilities and provide opportunities for women to engage in the operations and management of water and sew- erage systems. Also, women could play a significant role in disseminating public awareness information among their peers in outer island communities. Further to empowering women in the sector, hu- man resource and capacity building is another priority area for the Government. At present, the available technical human resource is insufficient for achieving the desired sector goals and objec- tives. PAGE 8 PAGE 9 WATER AND SEWERAGE OVERVIEW IN THE MALDIVES Traditionally drinking water was abstracted from shallow aquifers using hand-dug open wells. However, in many inhabited islands of Maldives, fresh groundwater has been depleted as a result of salt-water intrusion and contamination from poor sanitation practices, making it unsuitable for pota- ble use. Harvesting of rainwater for drinking began in the 1970s and became more widespread largely as a response to a cholera outbreak in the early 1980s. This indicates that proper sanitation facilities are crucial for improving hygiene. Many communities in the outer islands of the Maldives heavily rely on rooftop harvested rainwater for potable needs. Af- ter the 2004 tsunami, government-provided each household with a 2500 litre rainwater storage tank. Community rainwater collection and storage sys- tems also exist, which play an important role in wa- ter security during the dry period. A nationwide survey carried out in 2000 reported that 7% of is- land communities used groundwater for drinking (Beswick, 2000). This indicates that over 93% of the population were depending on rainwater for drink- ing. Enhancing water security across the country is regarded as the key element to ensure island self-sufficiency. Male’ Water and Sewerage Company was estab- lished in 1995 with a mandate of providing water supply and sewerage services in Male’. The first mu- nicipal water supply project in the country began in the capital Malé in 1996. However, in the out- er islands, people continued relying on harvested rainwater and groundwater for domestic use. Dur- ing the last few years, the Government initiated development of piped water supply with metered house connections in the islands. Due to increas- ing climate variability and change, and with limited storage capacity in islands, the harvested rainwater tanks have been running out during the dry sea- son with increasing frequency. This resulted in an increased reliance on expensive, emergency water supply from desalination facilities. Between 2017 and 2020, 59 islands on average, were supplied drinking water by sea transport during the dry sea- son with an average annual volume of about 2518 cubic meters at an annual average cost of MRF6.9 million. Traditional practices of defecation in the Maldives had consisted of using bush/beach (called Athiri- mathi) or shallow burial of faeces in a designated area in the backyard of the houses. In the 1970s and 1980s, diarrhoea and cholera epidemic out- breaks triggered the need for the development of improved safe sanitation facilities. Human excreta disposal systems including waterless ash latrines, sealed pit toilets, and public toilet blocks were at- tempted, but these proved to be unsuccessful due to the contamination of groundwater and soil, pos- ing risks to public health. Currently, the communi- ty accepts piped sewerage systems with household connections. Among the inhabited islands, the capital Male’ City, with a population of 153,904 has a piped sewerage system that has been operational since 1988. Con- struction of sewerage schemes in the outer islands began in 1992 with small-bore (simplified) sewer- age systems. The sector has undergone significant changes as new and improved sewerage systems such as con- ventional gravity sewer system and vacuum sewer systems are being established in the islands, funded increasingly with support through external assis- tance to the Government as well as from the na- tional budget. PAGE 10 POLICY AND STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK Access to safe water is a fundamental human right as advocated globally at several fronts including in the context of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG6). The constitution of the Maldives enshrines access to safe water and sewerage as a basic right for all citizens. The Government is committed to providing access to safe water supply and improved sewerage facilities for all inhabited islands across the Maldives. The National Strategic Action Plan 2019 -2023 (NSAP 2019-2023) and Clause 14(a) of the Water and Sewerage Act (8/2020) provides the enabling environment for the formulation of this five-year National Water and Sewerage Strategic Plan (NWSSP 2020-2025). This plan reflects the water and sewerage vision of the Maldives and is expected to be instrumental in facilitating dialogue between government authori- ties, private enterprises, civil society, external support agencies and financing institutions. In this manner, this plan is expected to enhance synergies in terms of efficiency and investment in the water and sewer- age sector. The NWSSP 2020-2025 supports effective resource management and appropriate control in achieving the goals of the NSAP 2019-2023. The NWSSP 2020-2025 is envisaged to have a five-year timeframe with a mid-term review during the third year. The implementation will be monitored and reviewed by the Water and Sanitation Department of Ministry of Environment. This NWSSP 2020-2025 is aligned to the NSAP 2019-2023, which was compiled through a wider stake- holder consultation process represented by line ministries, private sector, independent institutions, state- owned enterprises, civil society organizations, academia, island/atoll councils, etc. PAGE 10 PAGE 11 PAGE 12 Ensure access to safe water supply and adequate sewerage services Target 1.1: By 2020, Water and Sewerage Act is ratified Target 1.2: By 2020, Utility Regulatory Authority (URA) for integrated utility services is functional Target 1.3: By 2021, Water and Sanitation coordination committee is functional Target 1.4: By 2023, all water and sewerage utility providers have an operating license POLICY ONE Adopt cost-effective and environment-friendly, water and sewerage infrastructure Target 2.1: By 2020, a standard mechanism to foster private sector investment in the water and sanitation sector will be in effect Target 2.2: By 2023, all inhabited islands, will have access to safe water supply and sewer- age facilities Target 2.3: By 2023, 30% of energy consumption for water and sewerage facilities across the Maldives will be met with renewable energy POLICY TWO Build sector capacity in water resources, water supply and sewerage services Target 3.1: By 2023, at least 60% of technical staff in utility service providers are licensed (/ By 2023, all technical staff operating and maintaining the water and sewerage facilities will have at least certificate level 3 qualification and will be licensed) Target 3.2: By 2023, at least 40 engineers will be trained in water and sanitation related field Target 3.3: By 2023, at least 30% of all employees working in water and sewerage facilities in each island shall be women Target 3.4: By 2022, collaborative partnership arrangements will be made with at least 3 local/international educational institutes for capacity building of water and sewerage sector programmes and services Target 3.5: By 2024, two (2) staff at each island or city council will be trained for overall utility operational services, governance and best practices POLICY THREE POLICY GOALS AND TARGETS These policy goals are for ensuring equitable access to clean drinking water and improved sew- erage facilities in all inhabited islands, through financially and environmentally sustainable tech- nologies. It also supports strengthening the legal framework, building capacity in the sector and promoting awareness and research. PAGE 12 PAGE 13 Strengthen advocacy and awareness programs on water resources, water supply and sewerage Target 4.1: By 2022, public perceptions on safe water and sanitation practices improved by 33% compared to 2018 levels Target 4.2: By 2023, at least 40% of households phased out single-use bottled water use Target 4.3: By 2023, WASH awareness programs targeting to island functionaries, front line workers, CBOs and NGOs that are active in all island communities are carried out POLICY FOUR Protect and conserve natural water resources Target 5.1: By 2023, water resource conservation and management plans are implement- ed in all inhabited islands. POLICY FIVE POLICY SIX Build flood resilient island communities Target 6.1: By 2021, identify and map flood prone islands Target 6.2: By 2022, develop and enforce design criteria’s and guidelines for flood mitigation STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN Policy 1: Ensure access to safe water supply and adequate sewerage services Target 1.1: By 2020, Water and Sewerage Act is ratified Target 1.2: By 2020, Utility Regulatory Authority (URA) for integrated utility services is functional Target 1.3: By 2021, Water and Sanitation coordination committee is functional Target 1.4: By 2023, all water and sewerage utility providers have an operating license Strategies Action 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Lead Implementing Agency Other Implementing Agencies Strategy 1.1: Improve policy, legal and regulatory framework to ensure the provision of safe water supply and sewerage services to all inhabited, commercial/industrial and tourist resort islands Action 1.1a: Formulate and enact the Water and Sewerage Law x MoEn MNPHI, MoE, MoH, FCL, MWSC, STELCO, EPA, URA, MEA, MoF, MoFA, AGO, People’s Majlis Action 1.1b: Develop and enforce water and sewerage regulations, policies, standards, specifications and guidelines required under Water and Sewerage Act x x MoEn MNPHI, MoHUD, FCL, MWSC, STELCO, EPA, Water and Sew- erage Regulator, MEA, MoF, MoFA, AGO Action 1.1c: Develop and enforce national drinking water quality standards x x x x MoEn MoH, HPA, MFDA, EPA, URA Action 1.1d: Develop and enforce national standards for sewage and wastewater disposal x x x x MoEn MoH, HPA, MFDA, EPA, MNPHI, FCL, MWSC, STELCO, URA Action 1.1e: Develop and enforce a regulation to factor ground water recharge mechanisms in land use and infrastructure and development related planning x x x x MoEn EPA, Local Councils, MNPHI, NDMA, MMS Strategies Action 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Lead Implementing Agency Other Implementing Agencies Action 1.1f: Establish a Water and Sanitation coordination committee x MoEn MNPHI, URA, MoF, HPA, MNU, MoE, LGA, NGO, WHO, UNDP, UNICEF, Action 1.1g: Establish Utility Regula- tory Authority (URA) for integrated utility services x PO MoEn, STELCO, FCL, MWSC, MoF, PO Strategy 1.2: Provide Water and Sewerage services through an integrated utility service provision model and decentralize the utilities to ensure cost-effectiveness Action 1.2a: Conduct annual regula- tory, financial and technical audit of utility operations and report to regu- latory authority. x x x x x x MoEn MEA, MoEn, PCB, AGO Action 1.2b: Develop and enforce a tariff model for water and sewerage services x x MoEn FCL, MWSC, STELCO Action 1.2c: Develop operator licens- ing mechanism for island operation & maintenance of water and sewer systems at utilities x x x x MoEn FCL, MWSC, STELCO, MoED, MoF, MNPHI, MoHE, TVETA Strategy 1.3: Improve research and evidence on water and sewerage sector to support policy making Action 1.3a: Integrate and update data on the water and sewerage, and publish the data through a web-based public platform x x x x MoEn MNPHI, MoHE, MoH, FCL, MWSC, STEL- CO, EPA, URA, MEA, NDC, CTO Action 1.3b: Develop and Implement an E-Library for dissemination of publications and studies done on water and sewerage in Maldives in collaboration with NDC x x x x MoEn MNPHI, URA, EPA, MoF, Local Councils, NDC, MNU Strategies Action 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Lead Implementing Agency Other Implementing Agencies Strategy 1.4: Strengthen operation, maintenance and management of water supply and sewerage systems through compliance monitoring and safety planning Action 1.4a: Develop and implement water and sanitation safety plans for all inhabited islands x x x x MoEn MNPHI, MoF, FCL, MWSC, STELCO, Local Councils Action 1.4b: Develop and implement national water resource management plan for water supply and sewerage services x x x x PO FCL, MWSC, STELCO, MoF, Local Councils, MNPHI Action 1.4c: Develop operational and service quality standards for water supply and sewerage services x x MoEn FCL, MWSC, STELCO, MoF, Local Councils, EPA, MEA, URA Action 1.4d: Develop and implement island level water supply and sewerage system operation, maintenance and monitoring mechanism x x MoEn FCL, MWSC, STELCO, EPA, MNPHI, MoF, Local Councils, LGA, URA Action 1.4e: Establish and operate regional water quality testing labora- tories in RUCs in line with National Spatial Plan x x x x MoEn MNPHI, MoF, URA Action 1.4f: Develop and implement National Water Security Plan x x x x x x MoEn MNPHI, MoF, Utilities, MMRI, Local Councils Action 1.4g: Deliver safe drinking water to vulnerable islands during emergencies. x x x x MoEn MNPHI, MoF, Utilities, MMRI, Local Councils Policy 2: Adopt cost-effective and environment-friendly, water and sewerage infrastructure Target 2.1: By 2020, a standard mechanism to foster private sector investment in the water and sanitation sector will be in effect Target 2.2: By 2023, all inhabited islands, will have access to safe water supply and sewerage facilities Target 2.3: By 2023, 30% of energy consumption for water and sewerage facilities across the Maldives will be met with renewable energy Strategies Action 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Lead Implementing Agency Other Implementing Agencies Strategy 2.1: Ensure climate resilient and cost-effective water supply and sewerage systems Action 2.1a: Design and implement water supply and sewerage infrastruc- ture in all inhabited islands x x x x MoEn MoEn, MoF, Local Councils, EPA, MEA, FCL, MWSC, STELCO, URA Action 2.1b: Scale up renewable energy and hybrid systems to operate existing water and sewerage facilities x x x x MoEn Local Councils, EPA, MEA, FCL, MWSC, STELCO, URA Action 2.1c: Review and revise ex- isting water supply and sewerage system design specifications based on research x MoEn FCL,MWSC, STELCO, EPA, MNPHI, MEA, Universities, Colleges, NGO, Consultancy firms and URA Action 2.1d: Scale up renewable ener- gy application in rainwater harvesting and groundwater aquifer recharge in all water supply systems x x x x MoEn MNPHI, FCL, MWSC, STELCO, EPA, URA Action 2.1e: Evaluate existing sewer- age treatment plants and introduce environmentally friendly sewerage treatment options of low operational, maintenance and management cost x x MoEn FCL, MWSC, STELCO, Local Councils, EPA, MNPHI, MoF, URA Strategies Action 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Lead Implementing Agency Other Implementing Agencies Action 2.1f: Develop a framework for managing sludge at sewage treatment facilities x x MoEn FCL, MWSC, STELCO, EPA, MNPHI, Local Councils Action 2.1g: Develop and introduce incentive mechanism to adopt climate resilient and environ- ment friendly technologies to water and sewerage sector x x x x MoEn MoF, MoED, MNPHI, URA Action 2.1h: Ensure water and sewer- age systems established in commer- cial/ industrial islands and tourist resorts are in compliance with Water and Sewerage Act (8/2020) x x x x x x URA MoEn, MoF, Local Councils, FCL, MoED, MoFM- RA, MoT MWSC, STELCO Strategy 2.2: Promote and commercialize low cost water production and efficiency in water use Action 2.2a: Develop and introduce a private sector investment framework for development of water and sewerage facilities x x x x MoEn MoF, MoED, MNPHI, URA Action 2.2b: Develop mechanisms to verify and provide an efficiency rating schemes for water saving devices and appliances x x x x MoEn EPA, MEA, FCL, MWSC, STELCO, PCB, MoF, MoED, Business associations, URA Policy 3: Build sector capacity in water resources, water supply and sewerage services Target 3.1: By 2023, all technical staff operating and maintaining the water and sewerage facilities will have at least certifi- cate level 3 qualification and will be licensed Target 3.2: By 2023, at least 40 engineers will be trained in water and sanitation related field Target 3.3: By 2023, at least 30% of all employees working in water and sewerage facilities in each island shall be women Target 3.4: By 2022, collaborative partnership arrangements will be made with at least 3 local/international educational institutes for capacity building of water and sewerage sector programme and services Target 3.5: By 2024, two (2) staff at each island or city council will be trained for overall utility operational services, govern- ance and best practices Strategies Action 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Lead Implementing Agency Other Implementing Agencies Strategy 3.1: Build human resource capacity required for water and sewerage system operations, maintenance and management [A19] Action 3.1a: Undertake a capacity needs assessment of the water and sanitation sector x x MoEn MoHE, MNPHI, MoE, MoH, FCL, MWSC, STELCO, EPA, URA, MEA, MoF, MoFA Action 3.1b: Develop water and sew- erage engineering courses at national level x x x x MoEn MoEn, MoE, MNU, Colleges Action 3.1c: Prioritize trainings required to meet the water and sanita- tion sector needs in national scholar- ships and student loan schemes x x x x MoEn MoE, MNU, Colleges, MoEn Action 3.1d: Introduce and enforce licensing scheme for technical staff working water and sewerage sector x x x MoEn MQA, MNU, MOHE, TVETA, FCL, MWSC, STELCO Strategies Action 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Lead Implementing Agency Other Implementing Agencies Action 3.1e: Train and license all tech- nical staff operating and maintaining the water and sewerage facilities to at least certificate level 3 qualification x x x x MoEn MoHE, MNPHI, , FCL, MWSC, STELCO, EPA, Action 3.1f: Conduct trainings specif- ic to councils through online learning management system for overall utility operational services, governance and best practices x x x x MoEn LGA, city councils, island councils, URA Strategy 3.2: Foster international and multi-sectoral partnerships Action 3.2a: Develop collaborative partnership arrangements with local/ international educational institutes for capacity building of water and sewer- age sector programmes and services x x x MoEn MoFA, MoED, MoHE MNPHI, URA, PO Action 3.2a: Establish collaborative partnership with local NGOs, CBO’s and institutions to support water and sewerage sector programmes and services x x x MoEn MoFA, MoED, MoHE MNPHI, URA, PO, LGA, MoYSCE, NGO, CBO, island councils Strategy 3.3: Increase Women’s involvement in the development of Water and Sewerage sector Action 3.3a: Implement Gender Action Plan for water and sewerage sector x x x x x x MoEn MoGFSS, LGA, island councils, FCL, MWSC, STELCO, Action 3.3b: Ensure that capacity development programmes designed/ conducted by utilities have gender focus x x x x x x MoEn MoGFSS, LGA, island councils, FCL, MWSC, STELCO, Policy 4: Strengthen advocacy and awareness programs on water resources, water supply and sewerage Target 4.1: By 2022, public perceptions on safe water and sanitation practices improved by 33% compared to 2018 levels Target 4.2: By 2023, at least 40% of households phased out single-use bottled water use Target 4.3: By 2023, WASH awareness programs targeting to island functionaries, front line workers, CBOs and NGOs that are active in all island communities are carried out Strategies Action 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Lead Implementing Agency Other Implementing Agencies Strategy 4.1: Promote awareness on water resources management, water supply, and sewerage service operations and maintenance Action 4.1a: Roll out Fenfahi (national awareness) campaign x x x x x x MoEn Private Parties, UN Agencies, NGO’s, FCL, MWSC, STELCO, Local Councils, EPA, MEA, MoF Action 4.1b: Leverage mainstream media for promoting safe water and sanitation practices x x x x x x MoEn Local Councils, MoF, MNPHI, Media Outlets Action 4.1c: Conduct a nationwide campaign on promoting piped water and phase out bottled water use in households x x x x x MoEn FCL, MWSC, Action 4.1d: carryout WASH aware- ness programs targeting to island functionaries, front line workers, CBOs and NGOs that are active in all island communities x x x x x MoEn MoGFSS, LGA, island councils, FCL, MWSC, STELCO, Policy 5: Protect and conserve natural water resources Target 5.1: By 2023, water resource conservation and management plans are implemented in all inhabited islands. Strategies Action 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Lead Implementing Agency Other Implementing Agencies Strategy 5.1: Reduce vulnerability of the island freshwater resources Action 5.1a: Carry out a baseline assessment on water resources in all islands in Maldives x x x x MoEn LGA, Local Councils, MNPHI, EPA, FCL, MWSC, STELCO Action 5.1b: Develop and implement water resource conservation and management plan in all the islands x x x x MoEn EPA, MoH, MoT, MoFMRA, NDMA, MMS, Local Councils Action 5.1c: Incorporate and imple- ment groundwater recharge mecha- nisms in land use plans of all inhabit- ed islands x x x x x x MoEn MLSA, LGA, Councils, MNPHI, Strategy 5.2: Improve fresh water quality testing and monitoring Action 5.2a: Conduct national data collection and monitoring of the quality of fresh water resources x x x x MoEn EPA, Local Councils, MNPHI, NDMA, MMS Action 5.2b: Develop and standardize parameters for groundwater quality and quantity in all monitoring activ- ities. x x x x MoEn EPA, Local Councils, MNPHI, NDMA, MMS, MoH Action 5.2c: Conduct climate model- ling under different emission scenari- os for natural water resources x x x x MoEn EPA, Local Councils, MNPHI, NDMA, MMS Policy 6: Build flood resilient island communities Target 6.1: By 2021, identify and map flood prone islands Target 6.2: By 2022, develop and enforce design criteria’s and guidelines for flood mitigation Strategies Action 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Lead Implementing Agency Other Implementing Agencies Strategy 6.1 Seek community pro- tection from flooding incidents Action 6.1a: Accurately map and identify flood prone areas in islands x x MoEn MNPHI, URA, MoIF, HPA, MNU, MoE, LGA, Watercare, WHO, UNDP, UNICEF, Action 6.1b: Develop design criteria and technical specifications for sus- tainable flood management systems in the islands x x MoEn LGA, Local Councils, MoNPI, EPA, FCL, MWSC, STELCO Action 6.1c: Incorporate flood miti- gation and minimization measures in public infrastructure such as roads, reclamation projects, harbors, coastal protections, high rise buildings etc. x x x x x MoEn LGA, Local Councils, MoNPI, EPA, FCL, MWSC, STELCO PAGE 24 IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT The Ministry of Environment is the leading institution to implement this NWSSP 2020-2025. Other relevant institutions will provide the required input to implement and achieve the targets set out on this strategic plan. It is the responsibility of the Ministry of Environment to coordinate with the relevant stakeholders to implement this strategic plan. FINANCIAL RESOURCE Human resource capacity and financial resources will be required to execute the strategies outlined in this document. To achieve this, international funding agencies and international financial institutions can be encouraged to get involved in the process of implementing the outlined strategies. In addition, selected activities will be proposed for annual government budgetary allocations. MONITORING AND EVALUATION The NWSSP 2020-2025 Monitoring and Evaluation Framework would be developed to systematically measure and track the program activities and results. The NWSSP 2020-2025 Monitoring and Evaluation Framework will be implemented by the Water and Sanitation Department of the Ministry of Environ- ment. The NWSSP 2020-2025 five-year action plan will be reviewed in its third year and an evaluation will be carried out to measure progress, achievements and identify challenges and strategies to address them. PAGE 24 PAGE 25 REFERENCES • National Strategic Action Plan (NSAP 2019 -2023), Presidents office, Government of Maldives • NWSP (2017), National Water and Sewerage Policy, Ministry of Environment and Energy, Male’, Maldives • Water and Sewerage Act 8/2020, Government of Maldives • Take Action for the Sustainable Development Goals – United Nations Sustainable Development. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/ • MoEn (2020), Water and Sanitation Department, Ministry of Environment, Maldives • SAP 2019 launching ceremony speech by HE President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (2019, October 02). Retrieved October 04, 2020, from https://presidency.gov.mv/Press/Article/22323 • MEE, (2016). Second National Communication of Maldives to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change: Ministry of Environment and Energy PLEASE CITE THIS DOCUMENT AS: Ministry of Environment. (2020). National Water and Sewerage Strategic Plan (2020-2025). Male’ City, Maldives: Ministry of Environment.