Public’s frustration grows over irregular garbage collection by WAMCO

Complaints are mounting over the Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO) failing to collect garbage regularly from households in Malé. One resident told Mihaaru that no garbage had been collected from any floor of his building for four days.

"Every time I call WAMCO, they promise to send someone, but no one shows up. I’ve had to store the garbage inside the house for days. I’m tempted to just leave it on the street," he said.

Another resident said collection only happens every two days, and only after repeatedly calling and pressuring the company.

"In the past, they blamed unpaid bills. Now the payment is included in the electricity bill, but the service has worsened. During the long weekend for the July 26 Independence Day celebrations, garbage wasn’t collected for three days straight."

WAMCO’s Managing Director, Mujthaba Jaleel, did not respond to calls or messages seeking comment.

However, a WAMCO employee said the delay is due to a severe shortage of staff.

"We're expected to collect garbage from Maafannu to Ameenee Magu in a single night—with just three workers. It’s not possible to cover all homes," he explained.

WAMCO began operations in 2016, employing mostly Maldivians. But the number of local staff has reportedly dropped sharply in recent years.