Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a fine of USD2,950 to Male' City Council for illegally dumping waste collected from the streets on a land plot belonging to the council.
In a statement, EPA said that the council was illegally dumping waste on the plot on the eastern side of the Edhuruhiyaa Residential Building. EPA stated that waste is collected from the streets and dumped in the site at night during the closed hours of the Waste Management Corporation Limited (WAMCO) and the waste is collected from the site and removed in the morning.
EPA stated that a large number of residents in the area complained to EPA against the council. EPA also stated that its employees had visited the site on various occasions and inspected the actions of the council. As such, EPA issued a fine of USD2,950 to the council on June 8 to be paid within a month in accordance with the Waste Management Act.
In addition to fines, the council's waste management practices are also illegal as it had not obtained the necessary permits for waste collection and management. Therefore, EPA ordered the council to obtain the necessary permits before waste collection and management.