The Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO) has been awarded a contract to construct waste management facilities and buildings in 32 islands across the Maldives. The agreement was signed between the Ministry of Tourism and Environment and WAMCO, with Environment Minister Thoriq Ibrahim representing the ministry and WAMCO’s Managing Director Mujthaba Jaleel signing on behalf of the corporation.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister Thoriq stressed the importance of cooperation from island councils and residents to ensure the project is completed on schedule. He noted that community involvement would play a key role in facilitating the timely establishment of the facilities.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has previously pledged that proper waste management systems would be implemented in all Maldivian islands by the end of the year. As part of this initiative, existing waste management centres in 128 islands are set to be upgraded.
Minister Thoriq further revealed that, in addition to the 32 islands covered in the latest agreement, contracts to establish waste management facilities in other islands would be signed in the coming weeks.
WAMCO’s Managing Director Mujthaba Jaleel explained that the construction work would be carried out by WAMCO employees based in the respective regions. He said this approach would reduce costs and avoid the need to outsource the work. Jaleel added that constructing new buildings with WAMCO’s own staff ensures they are designed for effective waste management.
“Our staff will know the best ways to build these facilities to make waste management more convenient,” Jaleel said, adding that upgrade work would also be included as part of the plan.
Alongside the newly signed contract, WAMCO had previously been awarded the development of waste management facilities in two additional islands. This brings the total number of islands covered under the corporation’s projects to 34. While new waste management buildings will be constructed in 21 islands, the remaining 13 islands will undergo upgrade work.
The government aims to complete all waste management system developments by the third quarter of this year.
