Government of Maldives has signed a grant agreement with The World Bank Group to conduct the Maldives Clean Environment Project.
The grant aid agreement on the Maldives Clean Environment Project was signed by Minister of Environment and Energy, Thoriq Ibrahim and the World Bank Country Director for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Idah Pswarayi Riddihough in a ceremony held at the Ministry of Finance and Treasury. Under the agreement, World Bank Group will provide USD 17.5 million to establish Island Waste management Centers in zone four and five of the national waste management policy. Zone four and five includes all the islands of Mulaku Atoll, Faafu Atoll, Dhaalu Atoll, Thaa Atoll and Laamu Atoll.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Finance and Treasury, Ahmed Munawar said World Bank is an organization which closely assists development projects in the Maldives. The Minister further thanked the World Bank Group for the continued assistance to the Maldives.
Speaking after signing the agreement, the World Bank Country Director for Sri Lanka and the Maldives said that Maldives is renowned worldwide for its beauty, which has to be maintained.
Speaking to the media, Environment Minister Thoriq Ibrahim stated the importance of waste management, noting that implementation of proper waste management systems would also benefit the economy of the country.
Under the grant aid by World Bank, waste management centres will be developed in 43 islands, with work now underway to formulate an action plan for the project. The national waste management policy will see development of island level and regional waste management systems in 7 zones. The project is currently underway in Gaafu Alifu and Gaafu Dhaalu as well as Fuvahmulah City and Addu City.