Malé City Tackles Mounting Waste Crisis During Ramadan

In a concerted effort to address the growing waste management issue in Malé City, the Maldivian capital, authorities have intensified their clean-up operations during the holy month of Ramadan. The Waste Management Corporation Limited (WAMCO) reported a significant collection of 15.75 tons of garbage from various parts of the congested city on Saturday alone.

WAMCO's special response team, utilizing four vehicles, conducted 21 trips across 13 different regions of the city. This initiative is part of a broader campaign to maintain cleanliness on the capital's streets. The day prior saw an even larger haul, with WAMCO employees removing 40 tons of waste from Malé's roads.

Working in tandem with WAMCO, the Malé City Council has also ramped up its efforts to combat the litter problem. Mayor Adam Azim announced that a staggering 345.15 tons of waste had been collected from different areas of the capital region over the past 19 days.

The surge in waste accumulation is partly attributed to the Ramadan season, as many households discard old furniture and items while refreshing their homes for the fasting month. This has resulted in an increase of bulky waste being left on roadsides, exacerbating the existing garbage problem.

In response to this growing concern among citizens, the city council has implemented measures to penalize those responsible for littering. Since February, over 100 individuals have faced fines for improper waste disposal. The council is actively working to identify and fine more offenders.

The Maldives Police Service (MPS) has also joined the initiative, announcing via social media platform 'X' that they are collaborating with relevant authorities to warn and fine litterbugs. Additionally, the MPS stated that individuals caught dumping waste on roads would be required to clean up and properly dispose of the garbage themselves.

As the capital city grapples with this waste management challenge, the combined efforts of WAMCO, the Malé City Council, and the police force demonstrate a united front in tackling the issue. These ongoing initiatives aim to restore cleanliness to Malé's streets and promote responsible waste disposal practices among its residents.