Asian Development Bank (ADB) has granted USD 33 million to finance the first phase of the Greater Male' Environmental Improvement and Waste Management project to be conducted in Thilafushi.
The Greater Male' Environmental Improvement and Waste Management project will establish a sustainable solid waste management system in the Greater Male capital region and its inhabited outer islands by establishing a modern waste collection, transfer, and disposal system; improving community-based outer island waste management systems; building institutional capacity for sustainable services delivery; and raising public awareness in reduce, reuse, recycle behaviours. Meanwhile, physical and non-physical investments are designed to curb climate change and disaster impacts while creating a cleaner environment in Maldives.
The grant agreement of USD 33 million from Asian Development Bank (ADB) was signed by the Minister of Finance and Treasury Ahmed Munawar and Director, Regional Corporation and Operation Coordination Division, Ronald Antonio, witnessed by Minister of Environment and Energy Thoriq Ibrahim.
Addressing the ceremony after signing the agreement, Finance Minister Ahmed Munawar stated efforts and relations between Maldives and ADB has enabled to secure the grant within one year, adding this is the first time ADB concluded discussions this soon. A total of USD 40 million has been secured for the project, with the USD 33 million grant from ADB and the remaining funds from Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction and the government of Maldives, according to the Minister.
Meanwhile, Director Ronald Antonio expressed confidence to sustainably back Maldives in all its developmental projects.
Furthermore, Minister of Environment and Energy Thoriq Ibrahim revealed the fund granted by ADB will also be used to establish a waste transfer station in the industrial village and to attain machinery and vehicles needed to manage waste.
Greater Male' Environmental Improvement and Waste Management Project will establish a sustainable solid waste management system for all the inhabited islands and resorts in Kaafu Atoll, Alifu Alifu Atoll, Alifu Dhaalu Atoll and Vaavu Atoll, in addition to the Greater Male' region. The project will be implemented by Ministry of Environment and Energy, along with the Waste Management Corporation Limited (WAMCO)
The government of the Maldives has been encouraging the population living in the outer atolls to relocate to the Greater Male' Region to mitigate the pressure on the public sector budget to promote more efficient public expenditure on economic and social services.