Finance Minister Ahmed Munawwar has announced an MVR 1.5 billion project to address the waste management crisis in the country.
Speaking in the launch of the Clean Maldives National Symposium 2016, Minister Munawwar said that the US$ 100 million or MVR 1.5 billion project will be funded by ADB, AIIB and World Bank funds.
In his address the Minister said waste management was a critical endeavor, with MVR 370 million set aside in this year’s budget. He added that next year’s budget will also include a huge waste management component.
The Minister said the country received generous funding from partner nations for waste management projects but lack of cooperation from the public was a key issue. He added the waste management programs for next year, will create a positive impact on addressing waste management issues before 2018.
Around 265 participants from various fields are taking part in the three-day Symposium. A handbook on waste management planning was released in tonight’s ceremony.