The Waste Management Corporation Limited (WAMCO) has expanded its services to Dhidhdhoo, Haa Alifu Atoll, further broadening its waste management network across the Maldives. The service was officially launched by Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim during a ceremony on the island on Saturday.
Speaking at the event, Minister Thoriq highlighted the environmental and public health benefits of WAMCO’s expansion, noting that the initiative would also support local businesses. He linked the development to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s recent pledge to accelerate waste management services in the atoll, made during his visit to Dhidhdhoo as part of a wider tour.
Minister Thoriq also stressed the importance of educating children on sustainable waste management practices, stating that young people play a crucial role in ensuring household waste is properly sorted. “One of the foremost segments in any society who really encourages safe waste management is children. School children especially. If they are given the proper information needed, the waste from households will be properly divided. It will be easier to manage it then,” he said.
WAMCO’s Managing Director Mujthaba Jaleel reaffirmed the company’s commitment to expanding its services across all inhabited islands, explaining that WAMCO provides essential support to island councils struggling to manage waste. “An island council collects waste from households and takes it to the island beach. But when the area is filled, there is nothing much else the council can do. The only way to offload waste is to team up with WAMCO and transfer it to one of our waste management sites. So we cater to all such requests by the island councils,” he said.
The government has also launched a national waste management plan aimed at implementing environmentally friendly practices at every stage of waste handling, from its source to disposal at regional waste management centres. The initiative is designed to address long-standing waste management challenges and establish a more sustainable system across the Maldives.
