Kaashidhoo, Maldives - March 16, 2024 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
1. Aerial shots of atoll, sea, houses
2. Arch gate with slogan reading "welcome to Kaashidhoo"
3. Various of residents drinking water, water pipes
4. Container-like seawater desalination equipment with logos of China Aid
5. Aerial shot of solar panels as energy source
6. Various of engineer checking equipment, water pipelines
7. Various of fresh water flowing out of tap
8. SOUNDBITE (Dhivehi) Faizan Mohammed, resident (starting with shot 7/ending with shot 9):
"This water station will benefit the island and the whole atoll in the future. We used to rely on groundwater and rainwater, but now we don't have to worry about water supply. We can get water here. We thank the Chinese government and the Chinese Embassy in the Maldives for helping us."
9. Various of tap water; residents carrying fresh water in plastic case
10. Various of residents fetching tap water, China Aid logo on equipment

China has recently donated five sets of seawater desalination systems to the Maldives to ease drinking water shortage in the island country, which has become a big problem for local residents for many years.

The five sets of systems have been set up in five islands of the Maldives.

The project serves as part of the efforts of the two countries to boost cooperation in the field of people's livelihood improvement within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Maldives' Kaashidhoo island boasts stunning landscapes, yet its inhabitants have frequently faced water scarcity. Freshwater supply for the locals primarily relies on rainwater and groundwater, leaving them vulnerable to water shortages during extreme weather conditions.

The Chinese government provided the islanders with a seawater desalination system housed in container-like structures. The system is powered by photovoltaic panels installed outside the "containers".

This desalination system can meet the daily freshwater demands of around 2,000 people. Furthermore, the clean energy powering the plant can also provide household electricity for the local residents.

"This water station will benefit the island and the whole atoll in the future. We used to rely on groundwater and rainwater, but now we don't have to worry about water supply. We can get water here. We thank the Chinese government and the Chinese Embassy in the Maldives for helping us," said Faizan Mohammed, a local resident.

The donated seawater desalination equipment from the Chinese government will effectively meet the daily freshwater requirements of the island's inhabitants. Over 10,000 Maldivian islanders will benefit from these efforts.