South Hulhumalé MP Dr. Ahmed Shamheed has raised concerns over what he describes as discriminatory pricing in water and electricity services for island businesses, arguing that it violates the constitutional right to non-discrimination.
Presenting a resolution in Parliament, Dr. Shamheed called for reduced utility charges for small and medium enterprises operating outside the Malé region. He noted that government utility providers charge significantly higher rates for services in the islands than the capital.
According to the resolution, the cost of a water connection is MVR 3,187.84 in Malé but MVR 5,000 in the islands. Similarly, relocating a water meter costs MVR 850 in the capital but MVR 2,200 in the islands. Water consumption charges above 201 liters per day are MVR 101.26 in Malé and MVR 135 in the islands. For electricity, usage between 301–500 units is charged at MVR 3.65 per unit in the capital and MVR 6 per unit in the islands.
These disparities, the resolution states, result in island small businesses paying 40–70% more for electricity and around 35% more for water services than their urban counterparts.
Dr. Shamheed urged fellow lawmakers to voice their opinions on the matter, emphasizing that such discriminatory practices contradict Article 17 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to equality and non-discrimination.
Presenting a resolution in Parliament, Dr. Shamheed called for reduced utility charges for small and medium enterprises operating outside the Malé region. He noted that government utility providers charge significantly higher rates for services in the islands than the capital.
According to the resolution, the cost of a water connection is MVR 3,187.84 in Malé but MVR 5,000 in the islands. Similarly, relocating a water meter costs MVR 850 in the capital but MVR 2,200 in the islands. Water consumption charges above 201 liters per day are MVR 101.26 in Malé and MVR 135 in the islands. For electricity, usage between 301–500 units is charged at MVR 3.65 per unit in the capital and MVR 6 per unit in the islands.
These disparities, the resolution states, result in island small businesses paying 40–70% more for electricity and around 35% more for water services than their urban counterparts.
Dr. Shamheed urged fellow lawmakers to voice their opinions on the matter, emphasizing that such discriminatory practices contradict Article 17 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to equality and non-discrimination.
