In order to implement more serious measures, the Male’ City Council has now established a hotline to identify people who are disposing of waste in such manners by getting help from the community.
Atoll Times
In recent times, there has been a noticeable surge in the accumulation of trash along the roads, particularly in Male' City. This concerning trend is exacerbating the existing congestion issues in the city, posing significant challenges for both pedestrians and motorists alike. The indiscriminate disposal of waste is not only unsightly but also hazardous, contributing to a myriad of problems that extend beyond mere inconvenience.
In addition to the inconvenience caused by the accumulation of trash, there are significant consequences stemming from its improper disposal. The clutter not only disrupts the smooth flow of traffic but also obstructs sidewalks, rendering pedestrian movement nearly impossible. Despite the presence of a waste disposal system managed by WAMCO in the Maldives, this issue has been exacerbated recently, particularly during the annual clean-up for Ramadan, where large piles of refuse are left unattended on the streets.
Efforts to address this problem have included identifying and fining individuals responsible for such negligent acts early in the Ramadan month. However, it appears that despite these measures, some citizens continue to disregard the government's directives regarding waste management. A stark illustration of this disregard is the staggering amount of trash collected from Male' City streets, with a reported 30 tonnes alone on the 23rd of March.
Male' City, already burdened by high population density and limited spatial capacity, finds itself grappling with the repercussions of unbridled littering. The heaps of refuse not only disrupt traffic flow but also pose hazards to pedestrians by obstructing sidewalks, forcing them onto perilous pathways. This congestion exacerbates the city's traffic challenges, leading to heightened frustration among commuters and further degradation of air quality due to increased vehicular emissions.
With this, it has become apparent that addressing this escalating problem requires a multifaceted approach that involves community engagement, robust enforcement of littering laws, and investment in infrastructure for waste management. In order to implement more serious measures, the Male’ City Council has now established a hotline to identify people who are disposing of waste in such manners by getting help from the community. The hotline which can be reached at 9341144 can be used by citizens in order to send video and photo proof via WhatsApp, which can help the Government identify and take proper measures against such citizens.
