President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu Reviews Progress on Maldives' Waste Management Project

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu recently visited Thilafushi to assess the progress of the Greater Malé Environmental Improvement and Waste Management Project, a key initiative aimed at enhancing waste management and sustainability in the Maldives. This two-phase project is a collaborative effort, funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction (JFPR), and the Maldivian Government.

The first phase of the project focuses on modernising the waste management infrastructure across the Greater Malé region and outer islands. It includes the rehabilitation of the Thilafushi waste reception facility, the construction of new waste transfer stations, and the development of a demolition waste processing plant and an end-of-life vehicle dismantling plant. Additionally, work is underway to build a new inter-island waste transfer vessel.

The second phase introduces waste-to-energy (WTE) technology to address the 774 tonnes of waste produced daily in the region. The goal is to reduce pollution at the Thilafushi dumpsite and improve waste treatment, recycling, and disposal systems. Public awareness of sustainable waste management is also a key part of this phase.

During the visit, President Muizzu, accompanied by Cabinet Ministers and senior officials, toured the Thilafushi Regional Waste Management Facility. The facility has seen significant improvements, including the resumption of baling production at 76 bales per day, with 991 bales now relocated to optimise space. Waste offloading efficiency has greatly increased, with vessel clearance times reduced from one day to just one hour, and Landing Craft Offloading Area (LCT) clearance times cut from three days to five hours.

In addition, advanced surveillance systems have been installed for enhanced security, and 6,500 tonnes of waste have been repurposed as landfill cover material. A new 5,000 square metre waste cell has been developed to manage waste for the next two years.

The project continues to make strides in addressing the challenges of waste management and environmental improvement in the Maldives, helping the country move closer to its goals of sustainable waste disposal and climate action.