Minister of Environment Dr. Hussain Rasheed Hassan has revealed the construction of waste management centres in 6 islands will commence in November.
Responding to a question at the Parliament of the Maldives, the environment minister said efforts are underway to establish waste management systems in 43 islands across six atolls. The minister further stated waste management centres will be established in 6 islands under the Maldives Clean Environment Project, funded by the World Bank. He added the project is set to commence in November, following the completion of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
In response to questions on the existing waste management centre in Veymandoo, Thaa Atoll, the minister said the centre is set to undergo an upgrade under the Maldives Clean Environment Project. He said the project underwent delays due to pending assessments of the World Bank, which finances the project. He added a new implementation plan has been formulated for the project, and expressed confidence the projects will go ahead as scheduled in the new implementation plan.
The environment ministry states the waste management centres established under the Maldives Clean Environment Project will facilitate the processing of organic and biodegradable waste with the help of biological treatment. The ministry said the centres will also separate inorganic or non-biodegradable waste to be transported out of the islands.