The Male' Waste Transfer Station, designed to handle over 300 vehicles per hour, has been handed over to Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO) as part of efforts to address the country's waste management challenges sustainably. The modern facility was established with a budget of USD 11.9 million under the Greater Male' Environmental Improvement and Waste Management project, funded by the government with assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
The handover agreement was signed by Minister of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy Thoriq Ibrahim and Managing Director of WAMCO Mujuthaba Jaleel, in the presence of various dignitaries including the Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives, Takeuchi Midori.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Thoriq emphasised the inauguration of the station signifies a significant step towards permanently resolving the waste management issue. He highlighted the station's capacity to accommodate more than 300 vehicles per hour and assured that the government is committed to providing facilities to enhance WAMCO's services.
Under the project, additional waste management facilities will be established, including the Magu Saafu Raaje initiative included in the Week-14 roadmap. The Department of Waste Management and Pollution Control Department of the ministry, along with WAMCO, will collaborate in operating the newly established six-story Male' Waste Transfer Station. The building is designed to meet ADB safeguard regulations and standards to ensure environmentally friendly waste removal processes.
The Waste Transfer Station includes a roof deck designated for parking WAMCO vehicles, an area for waste removal operations, a maintenance garage, and a front office for customer service. These upgrades aim to enhance WAMCO's service capabilities and improve waste management efficiency.