The Government of Japan has donated an environmentally friendly incinerator to Holhudhoo, Noonu Atoll to support its efforts in managing waste.
At a ceremony held at Ministry of Home Affairs, President of Holhudhoo Island Council Mohamed Naseer signed the grant acceptance letter while Ambassador to Maldives from Japan Keiko Yanai signed on behalf of the Japanese government. The incinerator, worth over USD 258,000, is part of the Japanese government’s grant scheme titled ‘Grants for Grassroot Human Security Projects’.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Keiko Yanai said the incinerator donated is environmentally friendly and hence, it is ideal for a nation like Maldives. She said the operational and maintenance cost of the incinerator is also comparatively low, saying this is the first ever smokeless and toxic gas free incinerator to be installed in an island in Maldives.
Council President Mohamed Naseer said waste disposal is one of the biggest challenges the community faces due to lack of land to use for landfills. He said the incinerator will assist the efforts of the council in managing waste as there has been no proper waste manage system in the island due to lack of space.
Japan has been a close ally of Maldives which has assisted in various projects. Some other schemes by Japan include grants to introduce minibuses for students at Hulhumale' Fiyavathi Centre and donation of over USD 38,845 to purchase vision and hearing screening equipment for the local non-government organisation, Maldives Autism Association.