WAMCO to Merge Waste Collection Bills with Electricity Bills in Atolls
The Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO) has announced changes to its service policy, with plans to merge waste collection bills with electricity bills in the atolls starting in January 2025.
This policy will align with the system already in place in the Malé area. WAMCO has clarified that households will not be charged for waste collection if residents are away for extended periods and their electricity consumption does not exceed 34 units.
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In an interview with state media outlet PSM, Ahmed Shafiu, Managing Director of WAMCO’s Southern Operations, explained that the decision to expand services to atolls follows evaluations of council investments required to support waste management partnerships with WAMCO.
Shafiu highlighted that efforts to extend services to additional islands will continue next year, but the expansion depends on the willingness and capacity of local councils to invest in collaboration with WAMCO.
“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 on the island with our participation. We commence services after basing it on this contribution,” Shafiu said.
Additionally, WAMCO plans to prioritise biodegradable waste during daily collection in its new atoll waste management strategy. The corporation will also implement waste segregation in accordance with local laws.
For businesses, WAMCO has introduced a charge of MVR 0.20 per litre of waste collected, applicable only on days that the business requests the company’s services.
WAMCO has been providing waste management services in the Maldives since 2016, focusing on areas such as Malé, Addu City, and Fuvahmulah City. This year, it expanded its services to GDh. Thinadhoo and HDh. Kulhudhuffushi.
The latest policy changes mark a significant step towards improving waste management in the atolls while streamlining operational costs through strategic billing methods and partnerships.
