President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih launched the nationwide clean-up initiative named “Saafu Raajje, Aharenge ves zimma”, loosely translating to ‘[A]Clean Maldives, My Responsibility Too”, on Thursday.
The national program to remove litter across of Maldives is one of the '100 days' pledges made by the president and his newly sworn-in administration.
The event took place on the Football Association of Maldives (FAM)'s turf grounds from 0730 hours to 1030 hours, and was simultaneously held across all of Maldives.
"Waste disposal in every island in the country has become a great social problem. The solution for such issues can only begin from the civilians. The role of civic responsibility plays a crucial role.", stated President Solih, adding that a large percentage of waste visible on the streets are caused by individual littering.
Moreover, the president declared that plastic bottles, bags and other items are found more frequently than waste accumulated by natural sources.
Furthermore, Vice-President Naseem said that the project acts as an important step in safeguarding Maldives for future generations.
Ministry of Environment and Energy stated the project is aimed at encouraging all citizens to view the management and cleaning of our environment as a personal responsibility.
Vice-President Faisal Naseem and former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom joined the event alongside the incumbent President to honour the program targetted at raising awareness against littering.
The ministry states that the project will be carried out in a sustainable manner across Islands and resorts.
The Mayor of Male' City Shifa Mohamed, declared waste management as the biggest issue faced by the country. Noting that it would be impossible to clean the entire country in a single day, Shifa stated that the cleanup program is scheduled to be held once every month.
Pointing out that the act of littering should be one that shifts societal perspectives negatively on the offender, Shifa urged citizens to make efforts to reduce their waste as well as stop disposing waste on roads and other public areas.
The launching ceremony of the program saw active participation by representatives hailing from several government administrations and private companies.