Police will revise the traffic flow around the marketplace in the capital Male’ ahead of the Holy month of Ramadan.
The marketplace is unusually busy at certain times during Ramadan.
Sub-Inspector of Police Hussain Aslah told PSM News that a plan has been drawn up to change the traffic flow around the marketplace during Ramadan.
As a first step, information on the changes has now been shared with vendors and cargo boats docking in the area, he said.
Aslah said vendors have been instructed not to keep goods on the pavement, parking zones and to use the designated zones for loading and unloading goods.
"We are working to make the marketplace easier to access even during peak hours. So if anyone sells goods on the pavement or in the parking zones, the police and the city council will take them away,” he warned.
“It is imperative that vendors use only the designated zones for loading and unloading of cargo.”
Aslah said police will constantly patrol the area during the peak hours of Ramadan, from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm, while some changes will also be made to the traffic flow around the marketplace.
"In the marketplace area, the lanes exiting to Boduthakurufaanu Magu will be closed from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm. If there is heavy traffic, Boduthakurufaanu Magu will be closed to four-wheelers from west to east. Only two-wheelers will be allowed,” he explained.
Police have also asked businesses and shoppers in the area to be aware and respect the changes and to be particularly mindful when parking or driving in the area as not to disrupt traffic and pedestrians.