Environment Ministry: Incinerator system will be established in Thilafushi in 2018

Environment Ministry has said that they would be able to establish an incinerator system in K. Thulusdhoo in 2018 – which will allow for a more environmentally friendly method of waste disposal.

Other than the obvious dire consequences affecting environment, it is the norm now for smoke from burning waste in Thulusdhoo to affect people living in Male’ and Vilimale’ – which lies close to Thulusdhoo – increasing the risk of an outbreak of disease.

Deputy Environment Minister Ali Amir spoke to “Sun” on Tuesday that the solution to the problem of smoke was to stop burning waste in Thulusdhoo. And that the ministry had therefore decided to establish an incinerator system in the island.

He said that the government was currently working on planning and finding funds for the project. And would be able to start work in 2017 and have the incinerator up and running in 2018.

“We are of the mind to stop burning waste in Thilafushi. An incinerator will be established in Thilafushi in the future, and waste disposed through that,” said Amir.

He said that it would stop the problem of smoke, mean a safe and environment friendly way to dispose waste, and would also mean that electricity can be generated from the heat as the incinerator does its work.

He said that the biggest obstacle to solving the issue of waste disposal in Thilafushi had been an agreement made by government with Japanese company – Takuwa Corporation. And that the contract will them had been cancelled now.

Amir said that government had now established a separate company to take care of waste disposal in Male’ area – Waste Management Corporation – and that the company was now working on solving issues related to waste management.

Green Tax was introduced last year – USD 6 per night taken from each tourist that visits Maldivian resorts, hotels or safaris. It is supposed to be used to solve environmental problems such as establishing a more efficient waste management system in the country, building water and sewerage systems and coastal protection projects.

State has received MVR 216 million in Green Tax up til April, 2016.