Hazardous Chemical Storage Facilities to Be Completed This Year, Ministry Says

The Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy has announced that hazardous chemical storage facilities currently being developed in the Maldives are expected to be completed within this year.

Speaking at a press conference held at the President’s Office yesterday, the Ministry stated that chemical waste poses significant risks to both the environment and public health, prompting ongoing efforts to strengthen chemical management systems across the country.

The Ministry said a chemical storage warehouse has already been established in Addu and that work to operationalise the facility will be carried out this year. The facility is intended to store chemicals that require export from the Maldives for proper disposal or treatment.

In addition, a chemical management facility is under development in R. Vandhoo. According to the Ministry, approximately 30 per cent of the project has been completed, with authorities aiming to finish the facility before the end of the year.

The Ministry also stated that a series of training programmes will be conducted for frontline staff of the Waste Management Corporation Limited (WAMCO) and relevant regulatory authorities before the facilities become operational.

Authorities further noted that work is underway to update the Makudi portal, which is used for managing chemical imports into the Maldives.