The Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO) has reported a notable decline in improper waste disposal on public streets this year, marking a departure from patterns observed in previous years. Abdulla Shinan, General Manager of Central Operations, announced the development during an appearance on the PSM News’ Raajje Miadhu programme, highlighting that the corporation is witnessing unprecedented levels of public cooperation in adhering to disposal regulations.
The announcement coincides with WAMCO’s preparations for the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Shinan highlighted a large-scale cleaning initiative recently undertaken in Malé in collaboration with the Ministry of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage. He acknowledged logistical challenges in Hulhumalé but assured residents that operations are advancing in line with the maximum capacity of the corporation’s vehicle fleet. To ease the burden on households during the holiday period, WAMCO will also make its specialised 'Call and Pickup' service available in Hulhumalé.
Attention has also turned to the Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation’s 4,000 newly developed housing flats in Hulhumalé, where residents are beginning to relocate. Shinan stressed that WAMCO is taking a proactive approach to the influx of materials, explaining: “As people relocate, we are currently making specific arrangements to collect the bulky waste generated, whether it is empty cardboard boxes or wooden packing materials.” He urged residents to adhere strictly to the designated waste collection schedules set for Ramadan.
To ensure efficiency from the first day of Ramadan through the conclusion of the first seven days of Shawwal, WAMCO has outlined nightly collection windows for each district. In Malé, household waste will be collected between 8:30 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. In Hulhumalé, operations will run from 9:00 p.m. until 2:30 a.m., while in Villimalé, the designated collection period will be from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.