Government lacks funds to establish necessary waste management facilities: Mauroof

Mauroof Zakir, the Member of Parliament for the Kendhoo constituency, stated today that it has become increasingly evident that the current administration lacks both the necessary facilities for waste management and the funds required to operate such systems.

During Tuesday's Parliament sitting, debate continued on the Waste Management Bill, submitted on behalf of the government by Ungoofaaru MP Ibrahim Shifaz. While debating the bill, the MP expressed significant concern regarding the numerous challenges and obstacles local island councils face in managing waste effectively.

The member stated that one of the most significant challenges currently faced in managing waste on inhabited islands is the high cost of constructing waste management facilities. He further noted that the revenue generated by local councils through waste management services is insufficient to cover the ongoing costs of managing the waste produced on those islands.

Mauroof stated that the amendment was introduced to provide a legal framework for establishing a waste management system, aimed at addressing the waste disposal issues faced by nearby resorts and industrial islands.

In my view, it is essential to organize these processes in a way that facilitates ease of operation for local councils. Specifically, when councils allocate land, the existing hurdles within the Public Finance Act must be cleared. Whether through cross-subsidy models or Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives with nearby resorts, mechanisms must be established to simplify the allocation of land or the construction of facilities required for waste management. Therefore, alongside the proposed legislative amendments, it is vital to ensure that arrangements are in place for councils to carry out these responsibilities seamlessly. We are well aware that the government is currently facing challenges in establishing waste management facilities, primarily due to a lack of necessary funding.

Mauroof Zakir, Member of Parliament for the Kendhoo constituency.

Noting that several regulations must be established under the law, the member emphasized the importance of mandating specific protocols for transporting resort waste to inhabited islands. He stated that it is essential to ensure that the unloading and handling of such waste is conducted in areas separated from residential zones or arranged in a manner that prevents any public nuisance.

Mauroof noted that in several islands, waste management centers are located at the far ends of the islands, away from residential areas. He emphasized the importance of mandating these facilities to establish proper logistical arrangements, specifically through the construction of dedicated jetties, to facilitate the efficient loading and unloading of waste.

Furthermore, the Member stated that if resorts manage their own waste, it is crucial to establish a framework to handle household and local waste in a manner that does not impose an undue burden on the Council.

The Ministry of Environment has stated that annual waste generation in the Maldives has now exceeded 500,000 tonnes, noting that significant challenges remain in effective waste management.