How One Tweet Led to Cleaning 1.38 Tonne of Trash in Maldives

Sunday 14th of June 2020

How One Tweet Led to Cleaning 1.38 Tonne of Trash in Maldives

5 days before 14th June 2019, Siyana Mohamed Solih (Naa) went on Twitter and posted for help in cleaning the Hulhumale Beach, after her then 4 year old daughter wanted to collect the waste on the beach. Without the smallest thought that it would lead to a country wide clean up, Naa had expected it to be a small activity as an example for her daughter with a few helpers. 

Nevertheless, the event had gathered 253 volunteers, who collected 1.38 tonne of trash in 3 hours. Just from a single tweet. The cleanup took place on the eastern coast of Hulhumale' from BBQ area till tourist beach. The event had received support from many including telecom companies Dhiraagu, Ooredoo and state-owned Hulhumale' Development Corporation (HDC) as well as other companies.

After the creation of Twit Saafu by Siyana, several initiatives were carried out to clean the Maldives. At the end of June, 604 volunteers came out and cleared Addu City of three tonnes of trash in 2 and half hours. On 21st September 2019, 1.3 tonnes of trash was collected within 1 and a half hours in Laamu. 

As years pass many people are becoming aware of the importance of keeping their environments clean. Maldives, being naturally one of the most beautiful places on Earth, expects to see more volunteers taking care of the destination.