Waste disposal, cargo transport timing changes to nighttime

The government has said it will mandate cargo transportation and waste disposal operations exclusively during nighttime hours.

The decision was revealed during the inauguration ceremony of the “Male’ Fahi” program, overseen by the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation, held on Wednesday evening.

In a video presentation, the ministry explained changing the timings for waste disposal vehicles of specific sizes – i.e. larger disposal vehicles – exclusively to nighttime hours will alleviate congestion issues in the Greater Male’ region.

Larger cargo disposal vehicles will operate strictly from 20:00hrs every evening until 05:00hrs the following day.

The Ministry of Economic Development and Trade and relevant authorities will oversee the regulation’s implementation.

Besides this, the government has decided to revise waste disposal timings in the Greater Male’ area, from 22:00hrs until 5:00hrs but did not specify when the new timing will become effective.

Cargo transportation and heavy-vehicle movement were previously restricted from 18:00hrs to 06:00hrs the following day, enforced during former President Abdulla Yameen’s administration.

The timing, however, was annulled during Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration that succeeded Yameen’s.

The daytime movement of heavy-duty cargo transport and waste disposal vehicles, particularly during office and school hours, frequently causes congestion – which the public has often complained about.

The current administration is taking a more proactive role in ridding congestion issues in the capital city.