The state-run Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO) has been awarded MVR 58 million in contracts to develop medical facilities in three islands in Th. Atoll.
The move comes amid complaints over state-owned enterprises being contracted for government projects that fall completely outside the core mandate of the companies.
On Sunday, the Health Ministry contracted WAMCO to develop medical facilities in three islands; Th. Guraidhoo, Th. Madifushi, and Th. Gaadhiffushi.
Guraidhoo project:
The project in Guraidhoo is worth MVR 32.8 million, and entails constructing a new building needed to convert the island’s health center into a hospital. WAMCO was contracted to complete the project in 325 days.
Madifushi project:
The project in Madifushi is worth MVR 12.8 million, and entails constructing a new building for the island’s health center. WAMCO was contracted to complete the project in 325 days.
Gaadhiffushi project:
The project in Gaadhiffushi is worth MVR 12.8 million, and entails the construction of a new building needed to convert the island’s health center into a hospital. WAMCO was contracted to complete the project in 325 days.
The contracts were signed by State Minister for Health Ismail Abdulla and WAMCO’s General Manager, Business Development and Marketing, Ismail Ubaid.
The three contracts are collectively worth MVR 58.4 million.
MTCC is awarded contracts to develop health facilities in two islands on September 21, 2025. (Photo/Health Ministry)
Also on Sunday, Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) was also awarded projects to develop medical facilities in two islands; ADh. Kunburudhoo and F. Feeali.
Kunburudhoo project:
The project in Kunburudhoo is worth MVR 8.2 million, and entails the construction of a new building for the island’s health center. MTCC was contracted to complete the project in 300 days.
Feeali project:
The project in Feeali is worth MVR 21.6 million, and entails the construction of a new building for the island’s health center. MTCC was contracted to complete the project in 360 days.
The contracts were signed by State Minister for Health Ahmed Qasim and MTCC’s Deputy Managing Director Mohamed Jamsheed.
The two contracts are collectively worth MVR 29.8 million.
The award of the contracts comes with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on an eight-day tour of islands in ADh. Atoll, F. Atoll, Th. Atoll, and V. Atoll.
Persistently high spending by SOEs, as well as mounting debt and unnecessary appointments for political purposes, have become a huge burden on the state budget over the years. The incumbent administration had included reforms to address the issue in the 2025 budget, including the merger of some SOEs and the dissolution of others. However, some of these plans were later dropped.
In May, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu said his administration now plans to cut costs by changing how projects are run and awarding government contracts to SOEs instead of private contractors.
The government later awarded hundreds of contracts to SOEs, including ones that do not fall under the mandate of the companies. This includes the award of hospital construction projects to the Road Development Corporation (RDC), school construction projects to Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC), and outdoor gyms to Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).