Pollution of Hulhumalé lagoon: WAMCO MD points finger at safaris anchored in the area

Mujthaba Jaleel, the Managing Director of Waste Management Corporation Limited (WAMCO), has pointed the finger at safari vessels regarding the pollution of Hulhumale' lagoon. Addressing concerns over waste leaking into the water during disposal operations, he stated that it is necessary to investigate exactly where the waste generated by safaris anchored in the lagoon is being discharged.

Member of Parliament for Galolhu North, Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu), has submitted a request to question the Managing Director of WAMCO, Mujthaba, regarding the pollution of Hulhumale' lagoon caused by waste falling into the water during disposal operations.

The Member has formally submitted these inquiries in a letter addressed to the Managing Director of WAMCO.

In the letter, the member noted that complaints have been brought to his attention regarding waste falling into the lagoon during disposal operations in Hulhumalé, leading to environmental pollution. The member further stated that he believes WAMCO bears the responsibility to protect the residents of Hulhumalé from the potential health risks and negative social impacts resulting from this issue.

Consequently, the member has submitted seven questions seeking further details regarding this matter.

In a post responding to the matter, Mujthaba stated that those who dock safari vessels in the Hulhumalé lagoon are well aware that the Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO) bears little responsibility for the accumulation of waste in the area. Noting that the debris consists primarily of plastic bottles, he highlighted that two specialized organizations, Parley and MOPA, have been diligently and responsibly collecting plastic waste from Hulhumalé.

Mujthaba noted that while the two organizations collect plastic bottles in a compressed state, the bottles discarded into the Hulhumalé lagoon are thrown away as they are. He further stated that no safari vessels deliver waste directly to the WAMCO site, emphasizing the need to investigate the actual destination of their waste disposal.

Maintaining the cleanliness of the Hulhumalé lagoon is not the official responsibility of the Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO). Nevertheless, as a service to the public, the corporation utilizes a dedicated dinghy to collect waste and clean the lagoon three days a week. The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) provides full cooperation to WAMCO in this endeavor, and both organizations are currently engaged in a joint effort to keep the area clean. Ultimately, those who utilize the lagoon bear a significant responsibility for its upkeep. This is a point of reflection for those who have raised questions regarding the matter.

Mujthaba Jaleel

He further noted that HDC recently allocated a temporary plot of land to WAMCO to assist in resolving the waste management issues facing Hulhumalé.

The inquiry submitted by MP Ibrahim seeks to identify the primary reasons behind the leakage of waste into the Hulhumalé lagoon during WAMCO operations. It further requests clarification on whether this issue stems from negligence or specific logistical challenges faced by waste-carrying vessels. Additionally, the inquiry questions whether any measures are being taken to mitigate the adverse environmental impact on Hulhumalé lagoon and marine life caused by this pollution. If such efforts are underway, the Member has requested a detailed account of the specific actions being implemented.