The Ministry of Tourism and Environment has signed a contract to establish a dedicated hazardous waste and chemical storage facility at the Regional Waste Management Facility in Raa Vandhoo.

This initiative forms part of the broader “Eliminating Persistent Organic Pollutants Through Sound Management of Chemicals” project, launched in 2020 with financial support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Once operational, the facility will serve as a central hub for the safe storage of hazardous waste and chemicals generated across the country, prior to their export for environmentally responsible disposal. This development represents a significant step towards achieving a long-term, environmentally sustainable solution for hazardous waste management in the Maldives, a nation currently grappling with substantial challenges due to limited resources and infrastructure.

The construction contract has been awarded to Wee Hour Investment Private Limited, with the project scheduled for completion within 10 months. The total cost of the project is estimated at MVR 18.5 million.

The agreement was officially signed on behalf of the Ministry by Hassaan Mohamed, Deputy Minister, and witnessed byMiruza Mohamed, Deputy Director General of the Environmental Management and Conservation Division (EMCD). Representing the contractor, Sadheen Ibrahim, Office Manager, signed the contract, with Fathimath Laisa Latheef, Human Resources Manager, serving as witness.