The government has so far contracted the development of waste management centres on 109 islands as part of its efforts to tackle waste management challenges, according to Thoriq Ibrahim, Minister of Tourism and Environment. He made this announcement during a ceremony to award contracts for facilities on 75 islands.
Described as the administration's largest and most comprehensive programme addressing waste-related issues in the outer islands, the government has said that the initiative marks a significant step in its broader agenda to establish sustainable and efficient waste management systems across the nation. Projects to develop waste management facilities on the 75 islands were entrusted to three state-owned enterprises: Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), Road Development Corporation (RDC), and FENAKA Corporation.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister Ibrahim highlighted the profound impact of the directive issued by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to ensure that all inhabited islands receive waste management centres customised to their unique needs. This phase of the programme not only includes the construction of new facilities but also the renovation and upgrading of existing centres.
According to the environment ministry, MTCC will oversee projects on 26 islands, RDC on 24 islands, and FENAKA Corporation on 25 islands. Highlighting the environmental and economic stakes, Minister Ibrahim noted the dual importance of these efforts. "The development of these facilities is critical, not only for environmental protection but also for the growth of local tourism. The cleanliness of these islands plays a significant role as local tourism continues to expand," he stated.
The agreements were formalised with the signatures of key representatives. Minister Ibrahim signed on behalf of the Ministry of Environment, while RDC Chief Brigadier General (Retd.) Ali Zuhair, MTCC Chief Deputy Commissioner of Police (Retd.) Ahmed Saudee, and FENAKA Chief Mohamed Najah represented their respective entities.
As work progresses, government officials reported that waste management centres are currently being developed on 100 islands, with several existing facilities undergoing extensive upgrades. During the ceremony, senior officials from MTCC, RDC, and FENAKA Corporation affirmed their commitment to executing the projects in accordance with agreed timelines. They confirmed that mobilisation efforts are set to begin within the month, with physical construction scheduled to commence immediately following the fasting month of Ramadan.
The latest contracts build upon the government's overarching efforts to revolutionise waste management infrastructure across the country. Of the 109 islands under contract, development and upgrades on 17 islands were successfully completed in 2024, according to the environment ministry, with other projects currently progressing at varying stages.