Maldives is making significant progress in modernising its waste management system through the Greater Malé Environmental Improvement and Waste Management Project, a two-phase initiative aimed at establishing a sustainable solid waste management system in the country.

On Thursday, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu visited Thilafushi to review the progress of the project, which aims to enhance waste collection, transfer, and disposal across the Maldives. He was accompanied by Cabinet ministers and senior Government officials.

The first phase, funded by the Asian Development Bank, the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction, and the Maldivian government, includes upgrades to the Thilafushi waste reception facility, the establishment of new waste transfer stations, and the construction of facilities for demolition waste processing and vehicle dismantling. A new inter-island waste transfer vessel is also in development to streamline transportation.

The second phase introduces waste-to-energy technology to help manage the 774 tonnes of waste generated daily in the Greater Malé region. By improving recycling, treatment, and disposal infrastructure, this phase aims to reduce pollution at Thilafushi’s ageing dumpsite while raising public awareness of sustainable waste management practices.

During the visit, President Dr Muizzu inspected the Thilafushi Regional Waste Management Facility, where operations have significantly improved. Baling production, which was previously halted, has resumed at 76 bales per day, and 991 bales have been relocated to optimise space. Efficiency at waste offloading areas has doubled, with clearance times at the Resort Waste Reception Area reduced from one day to one hour and at the Landing Craft Offloading Area from three days to five hours.

Security has also been enhanced with advanced surveillance systems, and 6,500 tonnes of waste have been repurposed as landfill cover to clear access roads to the waste-to-energy plant. A newly developed 5,000-square-metre waste cell is expected to manage waste for the next two years.

These efforts are part of the Government's broader plans to tackle environmental challenges and promote climate resilience.