City council is collectively spending a staggering MVR 60 million each year to clean garbage from the streets, according to recent figures released by City Council. they stress that with just a small shift in public behavior, this massive expense could instead be redirected toward meaningful development projects such as the renovation of parks, public squares, and mosques — improvements that would benefit the very people responsible for the littering.
"This issue is not just about the city's appearance," said Mayor Azim in a press briefing. "It's about our attitude, our civic sense, and how we treat our shared spaces. We need to change how we think about cleanliness."
He expressed deep concern over the continued trend of dumping garbage at the base of trees and in makeshift boxes fixed to street walls, calling it both unsightly and environmentally harmful.
"Please don’t throw garbage on the streets of the city," Mayor Azim pleaded. "Make it a habit to use the dustbins provided throughout the city."
Mayor also reminded residents of his earlier appeals, asking people not to dump waste into the city’s beaches and waterways — another growing concern that threatens the local ecosystem and tourism.
Civic groups and environmental activists have echoed the mayor’s sentiments, emphasizing that community-driven cleanliness is the first step toward sustainable urban development. As the city grapples with growing maintenance costs, officials hope that residents will recognize their role in shaping a cleaner, healthier environment.