Minister of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy Thoriq Ibrahim has revealed that waste management equipment will be brought to the Maldives by August. He made the announcement during the signing ceremony for the donation of 30 waste management vehicles to local councils by the Japanese government.
An agreement was signed with a foreign company to supply waste management equipment to 45 islands across four atolls on December 11 last year. These vehicles will be distributed to the Noonu, Raa, Baa, and Lhaviyani Atolls under this agreement.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Thoriq highlighted that in the past six months, 22 islands have already received waste management equipment. He stressed that addressing the waste management issue cannot be funded solely by the government budget. Therefore, he said that the government is seeking funds and loan assistance from international donors and multinational organisations.
Additionally, Minister Thoriq said that the establishment of regional waste management centres in three regions of the country. He said that the waste management plant in Vandhoo, Thaa Atoll, is currently being further developed, and there are plans to increase the capacity of the Thilafushi plant in Kaafu Atoll. He also said that the waste management plant in Addu City is also being developed and is expected to start providing services within the next two years.
Furthermore, Minister Thoriq reaffirmed the government’s commitment to solving the waste management issue in the Maldives. He announced the launch of the national waste management policy, "Magey Saafu Raajje," on June 5. He said that the policy aims to provide a comprehensive solution to the waste issue on all islands by 2028.