Waste builds up across Malé after Thilafushi fire disrupts disposal

Garbage has begun accumulating on the streets of Malé after waste disposal operations were disrupted by a fire at the Regional Waste Management Facility in Thilafushi.

The fire broke out on Sunday night last week and was brought under control after about 10 hours. Since the incident, the amount of waste transported from the Greater Malé area to Thilafushi has been reduced.

As a result, waste has accumulated on streets, parks and public spaces in Malé.

In a statement, the Malé City Council said there is no permanent facility for disposing of waste collected from the city's streets and public areas.

The council said that after nearly 10 days without being able to transport waste to Thilafushi, the temporary waste storage area used by the council has reached full capacity, creating challenges for waste disposal.

It warned that the continued accumulation of waste across the city could develop into a public health concern if the situation is not resolved.

Amid the disruption, 11 city councillors visited the Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO) on Tuesday to discuss the issue with the company's management.

During the meeting, WAMCO General Manager for Human Resources Mohamed Shaan said parts of the Thilafushi facility had been closed following the fire, affecting operations at waste transfer stations in Malé, Villimalé and Hulhumalé, and disrupting daily waste collection.

He said the waste disposal site is expected to resume operations before the end of the week, which would allow normal waste disposal services to resume.

The Malé City Council said councillors would meet WAMCO again if the issue is not resolved within the timeframe provided by the corporation.