Asian Development Bank (ADB)'s board of directors has approved to grant Maldives USD 33.07 million to establish a sustainable solid waste management in the Greater Male capital region and its surrounding islands.
In a press release, ADB stated that its board approved the grant last Friday. The project will see the installment of a better waste collection, transfer, and disposal system, including trucks, transfer stations, waste vessels with rehabilitated harbour, and heavy equipment for dumpsite management. With community-based island waste management systems to be enhanced on 32 inhabited outer islands, ADB estimated that the project would benefit half of the Maldives' population.
“With Maldives’ continued urbanization and popularity as a tourist destination, there is a need to address the growing issue of solid waste. ADB’s support will help provide a healthy living environment in the Greater Malé capital area and its surrounding islands, boosting the country’s growth and tourism prospects," said the bank's Senior Urban Development Specialist, Ron H. Slangen.
According to the bank, the total cost of the project is USD 40 million, comprising USD 33 million and another grant of USD 500,000 provided by ADB as technical assistance, a grant of USD 2 million administered from the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction, and USD 4.93 million borne by the Maldivian government.
The project, which aims to improve environmental protection and sustainability efforts via better waste management, is expected to be completed by the first half of 2023.
The Ministry of Finance and Treasury had earlier declared that USD 165 million required for the government-spearheaded Greater Male Environmental Improvement and Waste Management project, has been secured from ADB. However, it remains unclear whether the USD 33 million grant is being provided under that agreement.
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