Minister of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy Thoriq Ibrahim has expressed optimism about the establishment of the Waste Management Regional Centre in Thilafushi, Kaafu Atoll, as a solution to the growing waste management concerns in the islands of the Greater Malé Region.
Speaking at a ceremony to hand over waste management vehicles to councils of 20 islands, Minister Thoriq acknowledged the lack of safe waste disposal methods in many islands, emphasising that the shortage of land area for sustainable waste management facilities is a pressing issue. He assured that the planned Waste Management Regional Centre, developed as part of the second phase of the Greater Malé Environment Improvement and Waste Management Project, will be a key step towards resolving these challenges.
At the ceremony, Minister Thoriq distributed essential waste management equipment to the respective island councils. This included dump trucks for 18 islands, baler machines for 15 islands, and over 5,000 dustbins across the islands. Councils expressed their appreciation, noting that the new equipment will significantly improve waste management practices and help alleviate ongoing challenges.
The Ministry of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy remains committed to finding sustainable solutions, and Minister Thoriq expressed confidence that the Waste Management Regional Centre in Thilafushi will become a critical asset in achieving better waste management across the region.