Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has issued a notice to the public to refrain from crossing the channel between Male' and Villimale', and Villimale' and Gulhifalhu which had been closed off for the construction of the Thilamale' Bridge, and warned that licenses of captains will be suspended for a month if they continue to cross the channels.
In a statement, the transport ministry said the area has been closed from entry since August 15 last year for the construction of the bridge and it has been announced to the public. However, the ministry said it has received complaints that many vessels are still using the channel. Therefore, the ministry has warned to suspend the licenses of captains of such vessels for a month if they continue to enter and cross the closed-off channels. The areas are closed due to safety precautions during the construction of the bridge.
Furthermore, the ministry said the Sinamale' Bridge channel is now open to vessels arriving from the southern atolls.