WAMCO launches operation to clean Male’ streets at minister’s instructions

Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO) has launched an operation to clean the streets of Male’ City at the instructions of Environment Minister Aminath Shauna, according to the corporation.

WAMCO said in a statement that they launched the operation Friday.

In the statement, WAMCO said a large quantity of waste, including both biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste, has been accumulating in the streets and public areas of Male’, giving rise to complaints from the general public and heightening public health risk concerns.

“We appeal for members of the public and all parties to work together to keep Male’ clean,” said the corporation.

State Minister for Environment confirmed the operation in a press statement Friday evening.

“The public health of the residents of Male’ take precedence over the egos of some,” he said.

WAMCO, in their statement, urged customers registered with the corporation to refrain from putting waste out on the streets.

The corporation also took the opportunity for non-customers to register with WAMCO for waste collection services.

WAMCO previously had a contract with the Male’ City Council to keep sweep and clean the streets of Male’. However, disagreements rose between the city council and the corporation after the five-year contract expired.

In a press conference Tuesday, WAMCO announced that they had ceased work on cleaning the streets of Male’ after the contract expired, and was providing services solely to registered customers.

However, Male’ City Mayor Dr. Mohamed Muizzu asserts that the responsibility of collecting waste put out on the streets by households continues to lie with WAMCO, and accused the corporation of being a ‘nuisance’.