Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO) has stated that waste collection services will be twice as expensive under Male' City Council.

City Council decided on Thursday the Council will not renew its contract with WAMCO to collect waste, and instead to take over waste collection in Male' and Vilimale'. The contract between WAMCO and City Council will end on 26 December 2022.

Speaking at the Council meeting, Secretary General Mujthaba Jaleel said that WAMCO has not been performing up to standards in collecting waste from the streets in Male' and Vilimale'. He added that City Council can provide the service at a lower price.

WAMCO has since released a press statement criticizing City Council for tarnishing WAMCO's image. WAMCO statement said that although City Council has proposed a budget of MVR 1.5 million a month for waste collection, it is not a feasible rate considering waste collection, staff salaries, and waste management.

"We do not believe the proposed employ numbers by City Council are sufficient to maintain waste management in Male' City" WAMCO said.

WAMCO further added that following City Councils waste collection and management plan would raise the costs thrice as much as now and that it would not be sustainable.

"We condemn City Council's attempts to mar the image of WAMCO and its services", WAMCO said.

WAMCO further added that the sudden decision by City Council leaves the WAMCO employees in a state of uncertainty regarding their jobs.

The motion to end the contract between City Council and WAMCO was submitted by Deputy Mayor Ahmed Nasheed, and agreed upon unanimously.