Authorities in discussions to add 'waste collection fee' to a utility bill

While the Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO) recently revealed a rise in customers failing to make fee payments for household waste collection, discussions are ongoing to add a waste collection fee to a utility bill.

Ministry of Environment’s Director General, Ahmed Murthala, spoke on the efforts to resolve the fee payment failure issue while speaking on RaajjeTV’s Fala Surukhee programme on Monday night.

Noting that there have been discussions over this, Murthala said that most involved believe that the best solution for now is adding a waste collection fee to a household utility bill, which is yet to be determined. He said that there are obstacles to doing this as well, but that it is feasible.

Murthala also highlighted some ideas that were passed around as possible solutions including introducing a special waste bag to be collected by WAMCO staff which ensures the company is paid prior to services.

Further noting that waste collection and management is not considered as a utility service as per the country’s tax policies, he said this had led to additional issues as well. This means that the company has to collect GST if sending bill invoices as the company is required to pay it, however, the country’s laws does not allow utility taxes.

Further noting that the Waste Management Company, established back in 2009, has not received payments from 30 percent of the registered households and businesses in the capital, Murthala stressed the importance of civil responsibility in resolving the issue.

The environment ministry official also stressed the importance in bringing legislative changes to find permanent solutions for the issue.

According to WAMCO, out of some 34,000 households in the capital region, only 19,000 are registered for waste collection.

Despite the fee failure issue, WAMCO has declined to halt services withhold services to the public.