ROP to up police presence on roads to Dhofar Governorate

Muscat: The Royal Oman Police thanked the citizens and residents for their adherence to the directives and decisions issued by the Supreme Committee.

The Royal Oman Police said: "This year's Khareef season in Salalah is exceptional compared to the past years in receiving visitors amid the pandemic, as we take measures to prevent the spread of virus in the interest of public health in cooperation with the competent authorities.”

Avoid crowding

All locations in the Dhofar Governorate and the roads leading to it will see police presence -- monitoring public places, addressing the public, directing people, ensuring no gatherings and crowding, and raising awareness of the spread of the virus and associated risks.

"The efforts of the Salalah Traffic Department will develop traffic plans and in preparation for visitors to the governorate. Traffic will be spread along all main roads to ensure smooth movement. Traffic lights will be monitored and violators will be apprehended," Lieutenant-Colonel Saeed Al Buraiki, Director of Salalah Traffic at the Dhofar Governorate Police Command, said.

Emergency services

The Royal Oman Police is also keen on the presence of Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority personnel along the roads leading to the governorate, in addition to the support of police aviation for emergency cases.

"Plans are being put into place to avoid any traffic jams and ensure the safety of visitors around crowded tourist sites," Captain Ahmed Al Hajri from the Dhofar Operations Department said.

Driver and vehicle safety

ROP advises visitors ensure drivers get enough rest and avoid driving for long distances without a break, especially since temperatures soar high. ROP are also warned against violating the movement ban in the Governorate of Dhofar.

ROP directs drivers to watch out for moving sand and to ensure the maintenance of the vehicle before the journey.

Vehicles must be equipped with a fire extinguisher and other important tools, ROP adds.

Special task force

"The Special Task Force Police in Salalah will patrol roads leading to the governorate, in tourist places and water springs, and provide assistance to citizens and visitors, prevent any violations, and support and assist the various departments and command centres of the governorate police," First Lieutenant Suhail bin Muslim Tabuk from the Special Task Forces Police Unit in Salalah said.