The management of the Regional Waste Management Centre in Vandhoo Island, Raa Atoll has on Tuesday been officially handed over to the Waste Management Corporation WAMCO.
The Regional Waste Management Centre caters to the islands of Noonu, Baa, Raa and Lhaviyani Atolls.
The US$41 million waste management project in the north caters to 44 islands and 22 resort islands. The facility, in Vandhoo Island utilizes modern waste management techniques and machinery, including an incinerator capable of managing 40 tonnes of waste every day.
Management and operation of the centre was officially signed over to Ibrahim Fuad, the Managing Director of WAMCO, by Thoriq Ibrahim, Minister of Environment and Energy.
Speaking after signing over the facility, Thoriq Ibrahim said the administration of President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom accords higher priority to waste management, than any other previous administration. He noted that work is now being done to establish such waste management facilities in all regions of the country. He also spoke about establishing a proper waste management mechanism in the Malé region, as part of the Malé Industrial Village project. The Environment Minister also said such systems will be established in the north and south of the country.
Speaking at the function, Ibrahim Fuad, Managing Director of WAMCO, explained how waste is managed at the facility in Vandhoo. He said WAMCO would commence operations by collecting waste accumulated in the islands of the region. He said incineration of the waste accumulated in the islands will commence on August 5.
As part of the mechanism, facilities would be established in each island to collect and dispose of general waste collected in the islands, which will be paid for the household in each island. The other waste would be transported to the centre in Vandhoo, which would be financed by the local councils.