A memorandum of understanding has been signed to officially hand over the Addu City Interim Hazardous Waste and Chemicals Storage Facility to the Waste Management Corporation Limited (WAMCO).

The centre was established under the Global Environment Facility (GEF) as part of the project titled Eliminating Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) through Sound Management of Chemicals. With the signing of the agreement, WAMCO will assume responsibility for the facility, taking on the role of caretaker.

According to officials, the primary objective of the agreement is to strengthen the Maldives' capacity for the safe management of hazardous waste and chemicals. The initiative is expected to play a critical role in reducing environmental harm, particularly in Addu City, by providing the infrastructure and oversight required to eliminate dangerous substances such as POPs.

The Ministry of Tourism noted that the transfer of the facility to WAMCO will create an accessible solution for residents of Addu City to dispose of hazardous materials responsibly. This development is also seen as a significant step forward in aligning the nation's waste management practices with international standards.

Authorities emphasised that the centre is expected to contribute substantially to the protection of both public health and the environment, offering the necessary momentum to advance the country’s chemical waste management initiatives.