Wast Management Center

Wast Management Center

A systematic waste management system was established in Alif Alif Ukulhas on the 11^th of November 2011 aiming at disposing waste in a way that would bring ease for the citizens of Ukulhas, and minimize disorganized waste management in the island.

Background

The problem of waste management has long been a serious issue in the Maldives. Improper waste disposal is considered as the major obstacle facing the beautiful green islands and their breathtakingly serene white sandy beaches. In the past, the island of Alif Alif Ukulhas has also experienced this major issue. However, in the year 2011, Ukulhas became the first systematically waste managed island in the Maldives – a glory the whole community shares, a true reflection of dedication and commitment of each and every individual within the community. The establishment of the first ever systematic waste management center in Ukulhas became not only a success for the island itself, but also for the whole system of waste management in the Maldives. The main aim of this project is to maintain and improve the general cleanliness of the island, safeguard the surrounding coral reefs and the sea, protect the environment, create awareness among the citizens regarding proper waste management, and to sustain Alif Alif Ukulhas as an exemplary clean island.

With a population of approximately 1000 people, Ukulhas is an island with a beautiful shore, a tropical lagoon and a wonderful coral reef. However, as there was no systematic approach to dispose waste before, citizens used to throw waste wherever they thought was appropriate. This practice not only resulted in fading of the island’s beauty, but also increased disappointments, complaints and concern from the visitors. With the decentralization of government bodies, the island councils were introduced in 2011, and the problem of waste management in the island of Ukulhas became the prime concern for the council members. After the council election, the vision of establishing a systematic waste management center was well discussed and finalized to be put into action. Since awareness is vital for the success of any island based projects, the council conducted special meetings with the citizens believing that maximum support and cooperation from the citizens of the island is tremendously important for the major project. Meetings were conducted after dividing the people into manageably small groups in order maintain focus and individual attention. The meetings aimed at discussing the significance of establishing a systematic waste management center and creating awareness about the detriments and consequences of improper waste disposal. The sensitivity of the issue was clearly comprehensible for the people. The yearlong waste management awareness sessions also included distributing leaflets and conducting special events for the children, which ensured that the whole island was prepared to embrace the new leaf Ukulhas was equipped to turn. 

For the success of any project, a firm set of guidelines and principles need to be in place. Hence, some key rules were laid down prior to the commencement of the project. An agreement was signed between the council and each of the household. During the month of November in the year 2011, for the first time ever in the history of the Maldives, Ukulhas started to formally collect and dispose waste from every household in the island. Each household was instructed to keep separate dustbins for distinct categories of waste. The waste management center then started to recycle waste for commercial purpose. For instance, the waste management center began to sell fertilizers to earn income. Till date, the process of systematic recycling of waste and trading is ongoing successfully. Households, restaurants/cafes, retail shops, companies and government institutions are charged distinct prices for the waste management service. Guesthouse are charged depending on the number of rooms each guesthouse has.

The systematic waste management project was initiated with a limited number of resources and a small budget. The council runs several projects and schemes to increase its earnings. Nevertheless, the waste management center is the best project that generates the highest amount of revenue for the island.

Getting Enrolled for the Waste Management Service

For the permanent enrollment of waste management service, a form must be filled which is available at the council, and the waste management agreement has to be signed between the council and the citizen seeking the service.

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