The primary concern in the islands in Alif Dhaal Atoll is waste management, environment minister Thorig Ibrahim said Sunday.
The minister had visited several islands in the Atoll as president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom's envoy last week.
Government said the purpose of the minister's trip is to visit all the islands of the Atoll, to speak with islanders and to observe how institutions were operating on behalf of the President.
Minister said despite waste management being the primary concern of residents in the Atoll, several islands had excellent waste managements already in place.
"Some islands had their own waste management system. Others didn't. But all islands flagged effective and safe waste management as a priority," Thorig said.
Minister also said the other issues highlighted in the visit include clean water, sewerage and lack of harbours in some islands.
