Rwanda kicks off vehicle emission tests
The government of Rwanda has started the process of testing vehicles for emissions, a program that is expected to cut down air pollution that has been reportedly increasing over the past years.
The Director of Environmental Regulation and Pollution Control, Remy Duhuze says that the new regulations are not intended to eliminate old model vehicles in the country but rather fight the increasing air pollution, which is mainly caused by vehicle emissions.
Duhuze says that Rwanda has developed its own standards of measuring air pollution and the measures are based on the maintenance of a vehicle, not the model or the technology used in manufacturing the vehicles.
The vehicle emissions testing will be part of the compulsory vehicle inspection (commonly known as controle technique in French), which will focus on measuring carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and opacity- which are some of the gases emitted by vehicles in poor mechanical conditions.
Normally every vehicle is supposed to undergo a routine technical control test and a permit is granted to each of the users. In case anyone is nabbed without this permit, they are liable to a fine of at least Rwf25, 000.
The National Police of Rwanda last December received equipment worth Rwf5.6millions that will enable the force to control noise pollution and test vehicle emissions at the Motor vehicle inspection center in Kigali. The donation was handed over by the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA).
A research conducted in 2011 by Rwanda Environment Management Authority(REMA) indicated that Rwanda was facing increase air pollution and the impact was causing an increase in respiratory, eye and skin diseases.
