Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO) has filed a complaint with relevant authorities over payments amounting to MVR 6.3 million made in advance for dump trucks and a landing craft that were not delivered within the agreed timeframe.

The company said it signed an agreement in December 2021 with a local supplier to procure 10 two-ton dump trucks and a landing craft. An advance payment of MVR 6.3 million was made on 29 December 2021, with delivery expected within four months. However, as of 30 October 2022, the landing craft had not been delivered. It remains unclear whether the vehicles have since been received.

WAMCO stated that the agreement did not provide compensation for losses incurred due to the delays. The supplier has also not refunded the MVR 1.7 million advance or the additional MVR 4.6 million paid under the contract.

The corporation further highlighted weaknesses in its internal financial management. Transactions with third-party outlets were not systematically recorded, with balances maintained manually in spreadsheets instead of through a financial management system. An audit of 231 random transactions between January 2021 and December 2022 revealed that MVR 6 million was paid without supporting documentation to confirm receipt of goods or services.

WAMCO also noted irregular expenditures outside approved budgets in 2018 and 2019, including 178 working advance transactions worth MVR 1.7 million issued for purposes not covered by finance policy.

The company said the cases have been reported to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the Auditor General’s Office, and the police, and assured that those responsible will be held accountable.