Bluepeace Maldives Raises Fresh Concerns Over Sewage Pollution at Rasfannu
Photo shared by Bluepeace Maldives allegedly showing a sewer near Rasfannu releasing sewage nearby the beach area, which gets swept into the public space.
Environmental organisation Bluepeace Maldives has raised fresh concerns over water quality at Rasfannu Beach, alleging that untreated sewage discharged into the sea continues to contaminate the popular recreational area.
In a social media post accompanied by photographs, the organisation claimed that Rasfannu is affected by untreated sewage from three nearby outfalls. It also warned that heavy metals originating from photo processing facilities and medical laboratories could enter the marine ecosystem, accumulate in marine life, and eventually reach people through the food chain.
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According to Bluepeace Maldives, Malé’s wastewater infrastructure relies on multiple untreated sewage outfalls that discharge domestic waste directly into the ocean. The group described the combination of untreated sewage and heavy metal contamination as a significant environmental and public health concern.
The organisation further stated that during the southwest monsoon, or Hulhagu season, prevailing winds and ocean currents carry sewage discharged into the sea back towards the shallow waters of Rasfannu, where many people swim. During the northeast monsoon, known as Iruvai, it said floating waste, including undigested food matter, can still be observed around the beach area.
#Rasfannubeach is contaminated by untreated sewage from mainly three nearby sewage outlets.
The serious ecological issue is heavy metals from photo labs and medical laboratories draining into marine ecosystems; these heavy metals don't decompose easily. The fear is they can end… pic.twitter.com/6UpNtXkWVl— Bluepeace (@bluepeacemv) July 2, 2026
The latest concerns come weeks after the Malé City Council temporarily advised the public against using Rasfannu following an oil spill that affected parts of the beach. At the time, the council said the oil was likely carried to the area by ocean currents from another location.
Rasfannu was reopened to the public in April following renovation works aimed at improving the beach’s infrastructure and water circulation. As part of the redevelopment, the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) installed a new drainage system, replaced the existing embankment with modern culverts, carried out erosion control measures, modified the outer embankment to improve water circulation, and completed an irrigation system.
The Maldives Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC) was also contracted to develop new public facilities at the beach, including toilets, drinking water fountains and lockers, to improve services for visitors.
Neither the Malé City Council nor the relevant authorities have publicly responded to Bluepeace Maldives’ claims regarding sewage contamination.
