Vice President Faisal Naseem has highlighted the importance of establishing proper waste management mechanisms in the Maldives. He made the remark at the ceremony held to inaugurate the Male' Waste Transfer Station in the Male' Industrial Village.
At the inauguration event, Vice President Naseem addressed the issues of waste management in the Greater Male' Region. He highlighted that currently, each person produces one kilogram of waste per day, resulting in a significant quantity of waste output. He emphasised the importance of reducing littering in the ocean, on beaches, and in other public areas, as well as the need to decrease waste production.
Additionally, Vice President Naseem emphasised that one of the most crucial elements of civilised societies is the cleanliness of the environment. He said that it is the collective responsibility of everyone to reduce waste generation and maintain a clean and healthy environment. He also highlighted the correlation between the Maldivian economy and the environment and said that as Maldivian tourism depends on the cleanliness of the reefs, lagoons, and beaches, improper disposal of trash and plastic in the ocean and on beaches can have severe consequences. He stressed the importance of responsible waste management to protect both the environment and the economy, as plastic trash harms reefs and endangers human health.
Also at the event, Minister of Environment, Climate Change, and Technology Aminath Shauna said the development of the waste transfer station was the largest investment made by the Maldives for the waste management sector. She said that the facility will bring a permanent solution to the waste management issues in the region and that the administration will next focus on developing a system for the proper separation of waste.
The Male' Waste Transfer Station was developed by the administration as part of its commitment to proper waste management and is expected to play a vital role in managing waste in Male' City. The newly developed station is a state-of-the-art facility spanning 65,000sqft. It has been equipped with modern amenities to address the long-standing issues of waste management and transportation to Thilafushi. The facility has been designed to be environmentally friendly and meet international standards.
The facility is equipped with mechanisms to transport waste to Thilafushi in packed containers, preventing spillage. The administrative structure of the station has also been built to withstand natural calamities and adverse weather conditions, ensuring its continued operation in the face of environmental challenges.