Emergency motion over transfer of burnt waste from Thilafushi to Kunburudhoo rejected

The People’s Majlis has rejected an emergency motion highlighting the potential hazards of Waste Management Corporation’s (WAMCO) decision to transport incinerated waste from Thilafushi to Kunburudhoo.

The emergency motion was introduced during Wednesday's parliamentary sitting by Hussain Ziyad, the Member of Parliament for the Vaikaradhoo constituency.

The Member stated that if the waste burnt during the Thilafushi fire is transported to HDh. Kunburudhoo as planned by WAMCO, it could cause irreversible damage to the health of the atoll's residents, the environment, and the region's delicate ecosystem. He noted that the emergency motion was submitted to formally express these grave concerns.

Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO) has decided to transport the debris from the fire that occurred at Thilafushi on July 19, 2026, to the unfinished waste transfer station currently under development in Hd. Kunburudhoo.

The emergency motion stated that the waste management station being established in Kunburudhoo is not yet complete and is not ready to begin practical operations. It further highlighted that due to the lack of a concrete floor for waste disposal, there is no system in place to safely collect and dispose of "leachate"—the toxic liquid generated when waste is dumped directly onto the ground.

The emergency motion further highlighted that although Kunburudhoo is designated as a waste transfer station, the current practice contradicts this policy, as incinerated waste from Thilafushi is being transported and dumped on the island.

Highlighting that the island is a vital habitat for the protected black turtle (Kanzu Kanhabu), the lawsuit states that toxic waste transported from Thilafushi threatens to contaminate this delicate ecosystem, potentially leading to the extinction of these species. Furthermore, the legal challenge warns that the accumulation of toxic substances in the soil and groundwater will destroy the island's natural beauty and cause irreversible damage to its agriculture and vegetation.

The emergency motion states that the incineration of plastics and industrial waste at Thilafushi releases hazardous carcinogens, including dioxins, furans, and benzene. These toxic substances enter the human body through air and water, leading to the development of chronic diseases.

The complaint highlighted the health risks posed by the emission of carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide gases from the landfill. It noted that residents in the surrounding areas are at risk of experiencing medical issues, including headaches, respiratory difficulties, and nausea.

Furthermore, the case highlights a significant risk that heavy metals such as lead and mercury, released from electronic waste, could accumulate in the soil through ash and infiltrate the local food chain.

The Member stated that Kunburudhoo lacks the necessary infrastructure to manage such hazardous waste. Expressing grave concern, the Member submitted the emergency motion, highlighting that WAMCO's decision poses a significant threat to public health and the environment.

The motion was rejected by the Parliament with a majority of 27 members voting against it. Only seven members voted in favor of accepting the emergency motion.

As this issue remains a matter of significant public concern, WAMCO’s decision to proceed in this manner has drawn widespread criticism.