Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Technology has contracted Vehi-Con Builders Private Limited to construct waste management centres in four islands.
The environment ministry stated that Vehi-Con Builders was tasked to construct waste management centres in Nilandhoo in Faafu Atoll, Maaenboodhoo in Dhaalu Atoll, and Thimarafushi and Guriadhoo in Thaa Atoll. The project includes the construction of waste management centres in Maaenboodhoo, Thimarafushi and Guriadhoo and the upgrading of the centre in Nilandhoo.
The agreement was signed by Deputy Minister Mohamed Ansar and by Managing Director of Vehi-Con Builders Ahmed Rasheed. The total cost of the four waste management centres is USD1.1 million. As such, the construction of the centre in Maaenboodhoo will cost USD278,868, while the centre in Thimarafushi costs USD324,254 and the centre in Guriadhoo costs USD285,343. In addition, the upgradation of the centre in Nilandhoo will cost USD265,888. The four centres are expected to be completed within 180 days.
The completion of the project will facilitate the separation and isolation of renewable waste and treat perishable waste with an anaerobic digestion plant. The centres will reduce the accumulated waste in the islands and prevent emissions, thereby assisting in the development of the local economy and the preservation of the environment.
The centres will also include an office, bathrooms, a storage area, a waste disposal area, and a hazardous waste disposal area. The initiative is being implemented by the environment ministry under the World Bank's grant assistance through the Maldives Clean Environment Project