New waste management centre in Male opens

Vice President Faisal Naseem officially inaugurated the newly developed Male Waste Transfer Station located in the Industrial Village of Male on Monday.

The station was developed by the administration as part of its commitment to proper waste management and is expected to play a vital role in managing waste in the city.

At the inauguration event of the new facility, the vice president addressed the issues of waste management in the Greater Malé area.

He highlighted that currently, each person produces one kilogramme of waste per day, resulting in a significant quantity of waste output. He emphasised the importance of reducing littering in the ocean, on beaches, and in other public areas, as well as the need to decrease waste production.

Vice President Naseem further emphasised that one of the most crucial elements of civilised societies is the cleanliness of the environment. He stated that it is the collective responsibility of everyone to reduce waste generation and maintain a clean and healthy environment.

Highlighting the correlation between the Maldivian economy and the environment, the vice president stated that as Maldivian tourism depends on the cleanliness of our reefs, lagoons, and beaches, improper disposal of trash and plastic in the ocean and on beaches can have severe consequences. As plastic trash harms reefs and endangers human health, the vice president stressed the importance of responsible waste management to protect both the environment and the economy.

The vice president also stated that the administration accords high priority to proper waste management and safe disposal. He emphasised that with the completion of the administration’s waste management initiatives in the Greater Male area, waste will become a valuable commodity that can help create wealth.

He also shed light on the efforts made to stop burning waste on Thilafushi Island and the efforts towards proper waste management on the islands.

The newly developed station is a state-of-the-art facility spanning 65,000 square feet. It has been equipped with modern amenities to address the long-standing issues of waste management and transportation to Thilafushi Island. The facility has been designed to be environmentally friendly and meet international standards.

The facility is equipped with mechanisms to transport waste to Thilafushi Island in packed containers, preventing spillage. The administrative structure of the station has also been built to withstand natural calamities and adverse weather conditions, ensuring its continued operation in the face of environmental challenges.