Kudu presses WAMCO over Hulhumale' lagoon pollution during waste transport

Galolhu North MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu) on Monday submitted a set of questions to the Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO) seeking an explanation for waste ending up in the Hulhumale' lagoon during collection and transport.

In a letter addressed to WAMCO Managing Director Mujuthaba Jaleel, Kudu said he had received complaints that garbage was being dumped into the sea during disposal work in Hulhumale'. He said WAMCO has a responsibility to protect Hulhumale' residents from the health and social impacts of waste mismanagement.

Kudu’s letter asks WAMCO to clarify several points, including:

• The main reason waste from WAMCO operations is ending up in the waters of Hulhumale'  

• Whether negligence or operational difficulties are causing garbage trucks to dump waste into the bay  

• What measures are being taken to mitigate environmental and marine impacts from lagoon pollution  

• The permanent solution to garbage pollution and foul odour in the area  

• Whether the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken any action against WAMCO  

• Whether WAMCO and HDC are working together to clean and maintain the Hulhumale' bay  

• What steps are being taken to prevent garbage leakage from trucks during transport  

Kudu’s questions come at a time when waste management issues have intensified in Male' City as well. In recent weeks, waste has been left in locations not designated for disposal, adding to public frustration.

The situation worsened after the fire at WAMCO’s Thilafushi area on the 19th of last month, which disrupted services and led to reduced waste collection in the congested capital.

Male' City Mayor Adam Azim, speaking on an SSTV programme on Sunday night, said residents have been forced to dump household waste on the streets because WAMCO has failed to properly fulfil its responsibilities.