The fifth amendment to the Land Transport Act has been ratified.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih ratified the amendment to the act (5/2009) on Monday, following which it has been publicized in the government gazette and comes into immediate effect.

The amendment received People’s Majlis approval at its 44th sitting of the third session of the ongoing year, on November 29.

Including the addition of Section 49 – 1, ensuing Section 49 of the legislation which stipulates to specify and delegate to respective administrative divisions of cities, atolls, and islands of services provided by the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation, the amendment highlights that the ministry and other relevant stakeholders are required to provide the funds, resources and assistance needed by the local councils to provide services.

The manner in which assistance will be provided, is also required to be specified in the regulations made following the ratification.

Moreover, it also adds three additional Subsections (t), (u), and (v) ensuing Section 70 Subsection (s), which provides definitions of city, atoll, and island councils.

The act mandates the regulations relating to the amendment to be drawn up and publicized in the government gazette within six months of ratification.