Minister of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy, Thoriq Ibrahim, has announced that the Waste Management Corporation Limited (WAMCO) will be rolling out a pilot project to offer waste disposal services to resorts. The project is set to begin this month and will focus on three specific atolls: Raa Atoll, Baa Atoll, and Lhaviyani Atoll.
During a press conference, Minister Thoriq addressed the ongoing issue of improper waste disposal practices at some resorts, where waste is either discarded into the ocean or not transported to proper waste transfer stations. This issue has raised concerns among island councils, who have expressed their worries about the environmental damage caused by these practices.
In response to these challenges, the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy has partnered with WAMCO and local resort operators to create a solution. The pilot project will implement responsible waste management strategies at the participating resorts, with hopes of expanding the initiative based on the success of the trial.
Minister Thoriq made it clear that should the pilot project prove effective, the ministry would take necessary actions against resorts that continue to violate waste management regulations.
The minister highlighted that this initiative reflects the government's strong commitment to promoting environmental sustainability and implementing better waste management practices. He also noted that, upon successful completion of the pilot project, the program could be expanded to additional resorts across the nation.