The government has made significant progress in its ambitious national campaign to transform waste management across the archipelago, the Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim has announced.
Under the flagship programme ‘Magey Saafu Raajje’ (My Clean Maldives), work has already been completed on 20 islands, with waste management systems currently being implemented in an additional 58 islands.
The initiative aims to establish fully functional and standardised waste management centres in all inhabited islands within the next 18 months. Minister Thoriq highlighted that 82 islands have already received specialised waste management equipment, while 99 islands have been supplied with garbage trucks to improve local collection efforts. Six islands are now piloting modern mechanical systems to convert organic waste into compost with compost-making technology successfully deployed and transferred to local councils.
“The work is progressing very successfully, though some islands face challenges due to limited space,” he noted.
To enhance inter-island waste transportation, specially designed vessels for sea-based garbage transfer—particularly between the islands and Thilafushi—are currently undergoing testing and will soon be operational. The Ministry has also contracted two new landing crafts and is procuring additional compactors, dump trucks, lorries, and pickup trucks to support island-level operations.
These resources will be strategically distributed to regional development centres, where waste management will be overseen by the Waste Management Corporation Limited (WAMCO).
Minister Thoriq acknowledged that while progress is on track, some local councils have not provided adequate cooperation. However, increased financial support is enabling the rollout of essential machinery and infrastructure even in remote areas, he added.
Alongside physical developments, nationwide awareness campaigns are being intensified to promote sustainable waste practices. The Minister affirmed that all projects remain on schedule, underscoring the government’s commitment to building a cleaner, healthier Maldives.