MoM backs municipalities with environment-friendly vehicles

QNA Doha The Ministry of Municipality (MoM) is supporting a number of departments and municipalities in the country by providing them with a set of new ren...

QNADohaThe Ministry of Municipality (MoM) is supporting a number of departments and municipalities in the country by providing them with a set of new rented ‘hybrid’ environment-friendly cars that help reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions to the air.The hybrid car contains two engines, one running on gasoline and the other on electricity. The two engines work alternately to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The electric batteries are charged from the gasoline engine and when using the brakes, so, the car does not need an electric source for charging as it charges by itself.The hybrid cars will replace the cars that have been rented for four years, as the Department of Mechanical Equipment at the ministry will distribute them to the relevant municipalities and departments this month as the first stage. Before distribution, the car will undergo the necessary procedures to ensure they comply with the required conditions and technical specifications, in addition to installing the ‘woqody’ chips to facilitate the process of monitoring and following up on fuel disbursements. The cars will also be registered with the ministry’s electronic system.Director of the Department of Mechanical Equipment Sherida Sultan Al Rumaihi confirmed that the Ministry of Municipality has started the first phase of introducing new hybrid cars into service in the ministry for the first time. The initiative aims to reduce dependence on traditional fuels and reduce carbon dioxide emissions, he said, explaining that the objective of the modernisation is to improve the quality of the ministry’s services, as these cars reduce 30 percent of fuel expenses, and work to reduce gas emissions to the atmosphere, which ensures reduction of environmental pollution.Al Rumaihi added that 1,226 new environmentally friendly vehicles of various types will be added during the coming period in accordance with the requirements of the ministry. He noted that the first batch the vehicles has already been received, that includes 129 buses to transport the ministry’s employees and workers, including 57 buses from Karwa company operating with the Euro 5 engines, which is distinguished by its use of sulfate-free fuel that reduces carbon emissions harmful to the environment. This step comes within the framework of the Department of Mechanical Equipment’s plan to develop and modernise the fleet of the Ministry of Municipality by providing the municipalities and departments concerned with the latest cars, improving the services provided, raising the quality of work in the ministry, and providing environmentally friendly cars that contribute to reducing pollution.