Fulhadhoo Garbage Crisis Worsens, Residents Complain of Polluted Water and Flies

Residents of Fulhadhoo are facing a worsening garbage crisis as the local dump, operated by the Waste Management Corporation (Veeco), has not been emptied for an extended period. The situation has led to a pervasive bad smell across the area, contamination of groundwater, and a severe fly nuisance. Locals report that the polluted water from nearby houses is now unfit for use, and students at Hafiz Ahmed School (HAZ) are struggling to study due to the odor seeping into classrooms. Deputy Mayor of Fulhadhoo City, Mohamed Liraaru, said the Council has consulted with Veeco and the Ministry of Environment to resolve the issue. Although the Ministry stated that Veeco is tasked with transporting the legacy waste to Dhiyadhoo, Gaafu Alif Atoll, the company has not used the incinerator and brick-making machines brought to the island. As a result, the Council is now working to acquire an incinerator independently through a grant fund.