Adhadhu has learned that a land plot from Hulhumale' was given at a monthly rent of MVR 500,000 to build the waste transfer station.

An agreement was signed between Housing Development Corporation (HDC), Environment Ministry and Finance Ministry on Thursday for a special building in Hulhumale' for the transfer of waste to Thilafushi island.

Some local news websites reported that the agreement was signed for one hectare (107,639 square feet) of land. However, the reports did not clarify whether the land was leased for a monthly rent.

Adhadhu understands that a land near the Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) port in Hulhumale' was leased for MVR 5 square foot. However, the authorities did not disclose the rent and HDC did not respond to queries.

Monthly rent is not charged for the waste transfer station built in Male' and the land given to Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO) in Villimale'. Land from other islands is given to WAMCO free of charge as well.

The Hulhumale' Waste Transfer Station is part of the Male' Environmental Improvement and Waste Management Project implemented by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), JFPAR, TASF and the Government of Maldives.

The Hulhumale' waste transfer station will cost USD 13 million, the Environment Ministry said.