Waste Management Corporation Limited (WAMCO) has revealed it has removed 25,000 tonnes of legacy waste in 17 islands. WAMCO stated it has so far cleaned 17 islands with a total area of 700,000 square metres, and it is currently cleaning up legacy waste in three islands.
In February, the government assigned WAMCO to carry out the Legacy Waste Cleanup in 20 islands that have the most accumulated waste.
WAMCO has seen delays in completing the project in the seven-month time frame due to difficulties following the COVID-19 restrictions. The project is part of the government's efforts to remove waste that has accumulated in some islands over the years due to a lack of an adequate waste management system.
The government estimates that over 100,000 tonnes of waste will be removed from the islands as part of the project. WAMCO stated it is removing an average of 9,000 to 25,000 tonnes of waste from each island and that 92,000 tonnes of waste were removed from Kulhudhuffushi City.
Island residents have praised the work to remove legacy waste, as it prevents damage to the local environment and frees up land needed in islands with a high-density population.
The government has begun numerous projects to solve the longstanding waste management issues in the country. As such, the government has been working to establish waste management systems and upgrade existing systems in the islands.