The expansion of waste collection and management services to Gulhi, Kaafu Atoll, by the Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO), will help address the island's critical waste management challenges, according to Thoriq Ibrahim, Minister of Tourism and Environment. At a ceremony marking the introduction of these services, Minister Thoriq highlighted the importance of this expansion for Gulhi, asserting that WAMCO's ongoing efforts to extend its services to the outer islands reflect the administration's commitment to maintaining a clean and sustainable environment.
Gulhi has now joined the list of islands benefitting from WAMCO's waste management services. During a recent tour of several islands in the Kaafu Atoll, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu visited Gulhi, reaffirming the administration's commitment to extending WAMCO's services to the island's residents.
In his address, Minister Thoriq highlighted Gulhi's burgeoning guesthouse tourism industry and underscored the island's potential as an emerging destination. He noted that promoting and expanding tourism on Gulhi will be a priority in the forthcoming years.
Waste management remains a critical concern for the residents of Gulhi. Minister Thoriq assured that the introduction of WAMCO's services would systematically address these issues, thereby strengthening the island's waste management infrastructure. He elaborated on the initiative's pivotal role in safeguarding Gulhi's natural environment, confirming that the environment ministry is closely collaborating with WAMCO to address waste management challenges across the nation.
"WAMCO has expanded its services to numerous regions across the country over the past year," stated Minister Thoriq. "In accordance with the president's pledge, efforts have commenced to provide this service in Gulhi, Kaafu Atoll."
Minister Thoriq also highlighted new initiatives that WAMCO is set to introduce. These initiatives include the containerisation of waste in the capital, Malé City, and the implementation of bunkering services, according to him.
Recently, the administration unveiled a comprehensive national waste management plan. This plan addresses the entire waste management cycle, from source generation to transportation to regional waste management centres, ensuring environmentally friendly and sustainable practices. It also seeks to identify the most sustainable waste management methods and to raise public awareness of effective waste management practices.