Paradise Preserved: WAMCO's Game-Changing Waste Solution Wins Hearts

The Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO) has transformed garbage collection services in Kulhudhuffushi City, bringing relief to thousands of residents while creating 75 new jobs in the process.

The service, which officially launched at the beginning of this month, has already seen remarkable adoption rates, with subscriptions surging from an initial 483 households to over 900. This rapid uptake demonstrates the community's eagerness for organized waste management solutions in one of Maldives' largest population centers, home to approximately 2,300 households.

For a monthly fee of 150 rufiyaa per household, WAMCO provides comprehensive waste collection services, with commercial establishments charged at 20 laari per liter daily, plus a gate fee of 106 rufiyaa. The corporation operates on a systematic schedule, collecting biodegradable waste daily, while plastic and metal waste are collected on Sundays and Thursdays, and yard waste on Tuesdays.

"We've witnessed a dramatic shift in waste disposal habits," says Mohamed Qasim, WAMCO's Manager for Kulhudhuffushi City. "Residents who previously disposed of waste haphazardly are now embracing our structured collection system." He emphasized that registration for the service is convenient, with online options available for households.

The operation is well-equipped, utilizing two compactor trucks - one 16-ton and another 6-ton vehicle - to handle the city's waste collection needs, according to Operations Manager Ahmed Naeem. The collected waste is currently being transported to Kunburudhoo, a nearby island designated for waste management.

This initiative is part of a broader national waste management plan launched by the government to address waste management challenges across the Maldives' inhabited islands. The comprehensive plan focuses on implementing environmentally friendly waste management practices from source to disposal, including public awareness programs.

WAMCO has expanded its services beyond Kulhudhuffushi to other cities and islands, including L. Fonadhoo, K. Maafushi, and Hinmafushi, marking a significant step forward in the nation's waste management infrastructure. In Kulhudhuffushi, the city council is simultaneously developing a specialized waste segregation facility to enhance waste processing capabilities.

While challenges remain, including the presence of legacy waste dumps that still need addressing, the introduction of WAMCO's services represents a pivotal moment in the city's environmental management efforts, setting a precedent for other Maldivian communities to follow.