Princess Charlene visit to Monaco waste management teams, Digi Mart USA News (Monaco): In their fluorescent yellow uniforms, they are among Monaco’s unsung heroes. These essential workers play a vital role in keeping the Principality clean every day.
On Friday, Princess Charlene visited the headquarters of the Société Monégasque d’Assainissement (SMA) to meet the people behind this work and thank them in person.
“A big thank you to all of you for your hard work every day, your discretion, and your efficiency. Thanks to you, Monaco is clean and our beautiful Principality is such a wonderful place to live,” the Princess said in French, addressing employees gathered in the company’s large hangar to welcome her.
It was a low-key visit, just as Princess Charlene had wanted. She spent time speaking with employees, shaking hands, exchanging a few words, and learning about the equipment and vehicles they use in their daily work.
“I’m very happy to be here with you today and simply to say thank you for everything you do, day in and day out,” the Princess said. SMA General Manager Pierre Bardy told her that the teams felt “greatly honored” by her visit.
“Many people barely notice what we do every day. Yet before Monaco wakes up or as it goes to sleep, our teams are already at work.
Keeping a city clean is a collective effort,” he said.
“Behind the quality of life we enjoy are, first and foremost, dedicated teams who take pride in their work and are deeply committed to serving Monaco.” SMA employs 350 people from ten different nationalities who work at all hours, in all weather conditions, cleaning streets, collecting waste, and overseeing waste treatment. The company has been carrying out this work for 88 years.
Its teams are also responsible for keeping Monaco clean during major events, including the Grand Prix and the International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo. “Their goal is to keep Monaco impeccably clean,” said SMA CEO Thomas Battaglione.
He described the profession as “a real school of life” that can be rewarding, even when employees face inconsiderate behavior from people who show little respect for their work.
The issue of antisocial behavior was recently raised during debates on the revised budget at the National Council. Céline Caron-Dagioni, Government Counselor-Minister of Public Works, the Environment, and Urban Development, called for “greater public awareness” of the problem in public spaces.
Princess Charlene’s visit also served to highlight the dedication and values of those who work to keep Monaco clean. She even donned one of the team’s fluorescent vests for a group photo, then signed another for the employees to keep as a memento of her visit.
