MWSC Cancels Agreement Following Complaints: Investigations Underway

image of MWSC Cancels Agreement Following Complaints: Investigations Underway

The Malé Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC), a state-owned enterprise, has terminated an agreement regarding accommodation arrangements for the foreign employees of its subsidiary, Island Beverages Maldives (IBM). The decision comes in response to complaints about the process of finalizing the agreement, according to Managing Director Abdul Matheen Mohamed.

Internal Complaints Prompt Immediate Action

Matheen revealed that the MWSC board received internal complaints about the agreement last month, long before the issue gained public attention through social media. Acting on these concerns, the board directed IBM to cancel the agreement on December 18.

“When we received the complaint, we audited the process. Whenever concerns arise, it is essential to conduct a review. Our findings showed areas that required improvement and procedural issues. After assessing the pricing and other factors, we concluded that re-announcing the agreement was the best course of action,” Matheen explained.

Audit Committee’s Findings

MWSC’s audit committee reviewed the matter and recommended canceling the agreement. Matheen emphasized that any negligence by employees would also be investigated thoroughly.

“The board decided to adhere to the audit committee’s advice. On December 18, IBM was officially notified to terminate the agreement,” he stated.

Concerns Over Alleged Corruption

Allegations of irregularities in agreements to lease a two-story building for IBM’s foreign employees and storage space surfaced recently. Copies of the agreements were leaked online, raising public scrutiny.

The agreements were reportedly signed with a company identified as Tele Maldives without conducting a competitive tender process.

Key Details of the Agreements

The first agreement, signed on August 27, stipulated a monthly rent of MVR 60,000. However, this agreement was later canceled, and a second agreement was signed on October 22, increasing the rent to MVR 200,000 per month—an additional MVR 140,000. The revised agreement included both accommodation and storage facilities.

The five-year agreement required an advance payment of MVR 400,000, with IBM Managing Director Mohammed Jinan Jaleel signing on behalf of the company.

Calls for Greater Transparency

The incident has sparked calls for increased transparency and accountability in public companies. Questions remain about why the agreements bypassed a tender process, which could have ensured competitive pricing and fairness.

Matheen assured that MWSC would address any lapses and take corrective measures where necessary.

Resort in Maldives

Crossroads Maldives OZEN RESERVE Bolifushi Siyam World Maldives Raffles Maldives Meradhoo Kurumba Maldives JOALI BEING Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa Soneva Fushi Sun Siyam Iru Veli Maldives Kuramathi Maldives Meeru Maldives Resort Island Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru Noku Maldives Sun Siyam Vilu Reef Maldives Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu Maldives Dusit Thani Maldives Kandima Maldives Milaidhoo Maldives OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi The Nautilus Maldives Ayada Maldives Baglioni Maldives OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Coco Bodu Hithi Jawakara Islands Maldives Kuredhivaru Resort and Spa OBLU NATURE Helengeli OZEN LIFE Maadhoo RAAYA by Atmosphere Alila Kothaifaru Maldives JA Manafaru Maldives OBLU SELECT Sangeli ROBINSON Maldives Soneva Jani Taj Exotica Resort & Spa Maldives dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa Sun Siyam Olhuveli Maldives Ananea Madivaru Maldives Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa Oaga Art Resort Six Senses Laamu Soneva Secret The Residence Maldives Dhigurah Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas Fiyavalhu Resort Maldives JOALI Maldives Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa Gili Lankanfushi Maldives Kandolhu Maldives Niyama Private Islands Maldives Nova Maldives Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives Sun Siyam Olhuveli Taj Coral Reef Resort & Spa VARU by Atmosphere Club Med Kanifinolhu Cocoon Maldives Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa SO/ Maldives Sandies Bathala Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort The Residence Maldives Falhumaafushi Constance Moofushi Maldives Pulse Hotels & Resorts Radisson Blu Resort Maldives Six Senses Kanuhura Atmosphere Core Atmosphere Kani Fushi Maldives Brennia Kottefaru Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives Coconut Palm Conservation Constant Halaveli Maldives Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa Kaani Hotels Kandima Resort LUX* South Ari Atoll Le Meridien Maldives Resort and Spa Lily Beach Resort & Spa Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort Taj Exotica careers