UNDP Maldives, TCCF support WAMCO with vehicles

Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO) on Tuesday, marked a significant step towards plastic waste management with the adoption of dedicated vehicles.

Earlier on March 18th, 2024, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Maldives officially handed over a fleet of six vehicles to WAMCO. The vehicles included two electric vehicles (EVs), as part of an initiative aimed at enhancing waste management across the Greater Male' Area (GMA).

This acquisition was facilitated through the financial support of The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF), and paved way for a crucial advancement in bolstering PET collection efforts, and tackling the challenge of plastic waste in the Maldives.

"This initiative marks a significant step towards boosting recycling rates and combating environmental pollution in the Maldives," said Pek Chuan Gan, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Maldives, while speaking at the handover ceremony earlier.

"Integrating electric vehicles into WAMCO's fleet and improving PET recycling processes not only lowers carbon emissions but also pioneers renewable energy use in waste management, It's a vital move for steering the Maldives towards a sustainable and renewable-powered future."

The provision of electric vehicles marks a continuation of UNDP Maldives' support to the government's vision in introducing renewable energy in key sectors.

"Utilizing eco-friendly vehicles is a pivotal change for WAMCO, signifying a major leap towards modernizing waste management in the Maldives," said Mujthaba Jaleel, the Managing Director of WAMCO.

"This collaboration highlights the shared commitment to environmental stewardship and the potential for such partnership to catalyse meaningful progress in sustainability and about the positive impact these vehicles will have on our operations and the environment."

The commitment was about fostering a culture of sustainability, and goes beyond recycling, said Saadia Madsbjerg, President, Coca-Cola Foundation and VP Community Affairs.

"By enhancing waste management in the Maldives, we aspire to set a benchmark for environmental stewardship," she said.