Mwasalat halts services on some routes to Salalah

Muscat: The Oman National Transport Company (Mwasalat) has announced that it has stopped trips via certain routes to Salalah.
According to Mwasalat, the decision was taken due to the flooding of certain roads in the aftermath of Cyclone Mekunu. In a statement online, the transport company said, “Due to the effect of the flood on some roads and in coordination with the Royal Oman Police (ROP), we will stop journeys, starting from today until further notice, on these routes: Muscat-Salalah, Salalah-Al Mazyona, and Salalah-Marmul.” The decision comes following Mwasalat’s announcement on May 26 that bus services to the governorates of Dhofar and Al Wusta would be resumed.
Meanwhile, roads in Oman’s southernmost governorate have begun opening up to traffic following clearing operations by the Ministry of Transport and Communications.
The Hasik-Al Shuwaymya Road in Dhofar was reopened following the clearing of boulders from the road, which links the coastal Dhofari towns of Hasik and Shuwaymya.
Additionally, the road linking Mirbat, Sadah, Hadbeen and Hasik was also reopened to traffic. The announcement follows the recent inspection of Dhofar’s road network and infrastructure by Minister of Transport Dr Ahmed Al Futaisi.
In a statement, the ministry said, “H.E. the Minister of Transport and Communications conducted an inspection visit to Dhofar, accompanied by H.E. Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport and a number of officials in the ministry to review the current status of infrastructure related to transport and communication, as well as the damages it suffered due to the recent weather conditions.”
With teams of experts working day and night to restore Dhofar’s road connectivity, the ROP has called on drivers to not risk their lives by trying to cross flooded areas.
In a statement, the ROP said, “Drivers who deliberately cross wadis and endanger their lives and the lives of passengers with them are liable to face a maximum of three months imprisonment and a fine of OMR500 or either of the two penalties-Article 8/49 of the Traffic Law.”
Additionally, ROP called on drivers to exercise caution and not risk crossing the Haima-Thumrayt road as it was blocked by overflowing wadis.