The construction of chemical storage facilities in Thilafushi has begun, according to Greater Male’ Industrial Zone Limited (GMIZL).
GMIZL said 57 parties have requested for storage facilities to store chemicals and other goods in Thilafushi. The storage spaces will be awarded by the end of November once they are ready for use.
GMIZL stated 32 parties managing chemical storage facilities will be given priority as they need immediate evacuation from residential areas of the capital city. The company further stated the rest of the 200 land plots decided to be awarded will follow suit.
The government has decided to move chemical storage facilities to non-residential areas after the tragic fire that originated in a chemical storage space in Male’ City which destroyed 4 chemical storage facilities 7 homes. A 46-year-old woman was also killed in the incident.
Survey completed by Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) indicate 126 storage facilities in Male’ City, while 38 of these are located in residential areas.
The government has started the process of moving the facilities to Thilafushi, an industrial island located south of the capital. The newly developed chemical storage facilities will adhere to recently set government standards on storing, moving and distributing chemical products, according to GMIZL, the state company managing Thilafushi. The storage facilities would also be equipped with fire extinguishers in addition to ensuring safety of the storages and people.