Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO) states starting next year, its waste collection bills will be merged with the electricity bills in the atolls as well.
WAMCO has decided to bring changes to its service policy at atolls effective next year.
In this regard, similar to the Male’ area, WAMCO’s waste collection bill will be merged with electricity bills in the atolls starting January 2025. The company will not be billing a household in circumstances where residents are away for an extended period of time and their electricity usage does not exceed 34 units.
During an interview with state media PSM, WAMCO’s Southern Operations’ Managing Director Ahmed Shafiu said the company is launching its services at islands after considering how much of an investment will be made by councils to launch waste management services at the respective islands in partnership with WAMCO.
Shafiu affirmed that WAMCO will continue efforts to expand its services to more islands next year as well. However, he said the commencement of services at new islands is presently dependent on the extent desired by the respective council.
“..it works on a partnership basis. We cannot just go and commence [services]. [We will assess] how much councils will invest or are ready to provide services at the island with our participation. We commence services after basing it on this contribution,” he added.
Other changes to WAMCO’s service policy at atolls in the pipeline for next year include the prioritization of waste that will decompose during daily collection. Additionally, WAMCO said waste management at islands will be carried out by segregating waste, as dictated by law.
Meanwhile, businesses will be charged at a rate of MVR 0.20 per litter. This is only for days the business seeks the services of WAMCO.
WAMCO has provided waste management services in the Maldives since 2016. During the past years, the company’s main focus had been the provision of waste management services in Male’ area, Addu City and Fuvahmulah City. However, the company expanded its services to GDh. Thinadhoo and HDh. Kulhudhuffshi this year.