Vice President (VP) Faisal Naseem has inaugurated Male' Waste Transfer Station at the Industrial Zone.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held on Monday night, VP Faisal said the government is giving special priority to waste management and safe disposal. He added that once the project is complete, it could transfer waste into a valuable resource.

He stressed on the importance of reducing waste production and eliminating the disposal of waste in public places and the seas.

VP Faisal added that disposal of plastic waste in the seas could lead to long lasting damage to the marine life and affect the tourism industry which is the main source of income in the Maldives.

Speaking at the ceremony, Technology Minister Aminath Shauna stated that the waste transfer station would greatly facilitate waste management in Male' City. She added that vehicles and equipment required by WAMCO to separate waste has been brought to the City.

Minister Shauna added that separating waste in the city is a difficult task, but not impossible if the public cooperates.

The Waste Transfer Station is a 65,000-square-foot facility built with modern facilities to address the difficulties in managing and transporting waste in the city. The center is designed to be environmentally friendly and meet international standards.

The center will transport the waste to Thilafushi in containers. In addition, the administrative building at the Male' Waste Transfer Station is designed to protect against disasters and weather hazards.

The government is working to build such a waste transfer station in Hulhumale' and Villimale, as well as AA, ADh, and Vaavu atoll.