Minister for Climate Change, Environment, and Energy Thoriq Ibrahim has announced that the installation and testing of waste management facilities in 22 islands is currently underway. He made the statement during a press conference to discuss the environment ministry's recent activities.
Speaking at the conference, Minister Thoriq highlighted the progress of the government's national waste management initiative, emphasising that the primary goal is to establish waste management facilities at the island level. He said facilities are being set up in 51 islands at various stages of completion. He also said that the project involves the separation and compaction of waste, as well as providing the necessary equipment for waste disposal on the islands.
Additionally, Minister Thoriq said that contractors have been assigned to develop infrastructure on additional islands, with a recent contract awarded to 14 more islands, of which work has already begun in 10. He said facilities required for 15 more islands have arrived in Male' City and are undergoing inspection before being dispatched to their respective locations. He said that these facilities are expected to be established within the next month, along with training for the employees.
Furthermore, Minister Thoriq said that household waste collection and management vehicles have been distributed to 76 islands so far. He said that the ministry is focusing on training individuals involved in waste management. As such, he said that 20 individuals from 10 islands will be sent abroad for further training as part of the project supported by the World Bank.