President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has launched the National Cleaning Exercise, as pledged in the First 100 Days Goals.
Vice President Faisal Naseem, former President Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom, senior delegates of the government, and those representing non-governmental organisations and the private sector were also among the high number of participants at the event.
Delivering his remarks at the launching event, President Solih appealed to everyone to contribute to the national campaign and take on the personal responsibility of keeping the Maldives clean. He pointed out the household waste mostly consists of single-use plastic than organic waste, and urged everyone to strive to eliminate single-use plastic from their daily lives.
The president further noted the shortcut to waste management is actually minimising it, and encouraged everyone to adopt a minimal-waste lifestyle. He also stated the administration's aim is to introduce an environment friendly method of waste disposal.
Highlighting his First 100 Days Goals President Solih said the decision to initiate a nationwide cleaning campaign was made as a result of the administration's belief the Maldives can reap the true benefits of the pristine islands only by maintaining a clean environment.
Noting the Maldives is famous for being a group of islands that upkeeps its environment and purity, President Solih also said no level of advancement will erase the island-style of the Maldives. He further said the only way to maintain the unique characteristic is to prioritise keeping the beautiful surroundings clean.