Why Dewatering Is So Expensive In Malé City
Dewatering is the process of temporarily lowering the groundwater table to allow dry and stable conditions for below-ground construction activities, such as foundation and basement works. Dewatering is compulsory in the Maldives due to its shallow groundwater table. In this post we will provide an insight to why dewatering in Malé city is expensive, where majority of the construction projects are carried out.
Till 2017, dewatering lines routed through nearby sewer lines. But in 2017, the rapid growth of construction activities in Malé City caused constant blockage and overflow issues to sewer lines. As a result, dewatering to sewer lines discontinued and the cost of dewatering skyrocketed.
Why is dewatering in Malé city expensive?
Today, dewatering setup requires laying long-distance pipelines on the road (from construction sites to the seawall). The materials cost required, such as high-pressure PVC pipes and fittings are immense to make the entire line workable. While, manpower required to install, maintain and deinstall a pipeline remains high.
Groundwater testing, council permits, URA permits, pumping charges and installation routes are more reasons the costs adds up. If a construction site is far from the seawall, the client have to endure extra costs.
Why dewatering will remain costly?
Despite negative public opinion, regulatory authorities are at a standstill to develop new stormwater drains to eliminate this method of dewatering.
This is why dewatering will remain expensive for many years ahead.