Managing Director of Greater Male Industrial Zone Limited (GMIZL) Ibrahim Rasheed Abubakuru has stated efforts are underway to develop a special chemical storage zone in Thilafushi, Kaafu Atoll.
Speaking at a press briefing held at the President's Office, Ibrahim Rasheed said GMIZL has now chosen a land plot for storage of dangerous goods and chemicals. GMIZL intends to develop the storage units and lease the facilities to interested parties as instructed by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, instead of leasing land plots for private parties to develop storage facilities.
Such an approach is taken not to compromise the safety and the security of the storage spaces, according to Ibrahim Rasheed. He expects the storage units to be available for use in a few months. The plan includes renting out 200 storage spaces of between 2,000 to 3,000 square feet after development of the storage units. GMIZL said the priority is the removal of warehouses that store dangerous goods and chemicals in Male' City.
Over 126 chemical storage facilities exist in Male, located in residential buildings, according to the authorities.
President Solih has instructed the authorities to relocate such facilities to Thilafushi, due to fires and other dangerous incidents in chemical storage facilities in the capital city.