Mechanics are categorised among the high risk categories in drug abuse, an issue that is likely to affect road safety, especially when they fix vehicles under the influence of drugs.

The Rwanda National Police (RNP) has, therefore, rolled out awareness campaigns against drug abuse among mechanics and garage owners to ensure the vice is combated.

While speaking to garage owners and mechanics in Muhanga District on February 2, Inspector of Police Claver Kayihura, the district community laison officer, condemned the habit and challenged them to be crime preventers instead of drug abusers.

IP Kayihura noted that use of cannabis, marijuana and excessive consumption of alcohol makes it difficult for the mechanics to carry out their duties normally, thereby putting the lives of drivers and passengers at risk.

"Drugs can negatively affect a mechanic’s attentiveness, perception of fault on a certain car, and ability to perform their duties. All mechanics must, therefore, respect their jobs by avoiding drugs,” IP Kayihura said.

"It is, therefore, in the interest of garage owners to ensure that their employees do not work under the influence of drugs – and to ensure that their garages are not used as hubs for consuming or trafficking drugs.”

One of the garage owners who attended the meeting, André Bizimana, commended RNP for sensitising them on an issue that they had hitherto ignored yet it happens in their premises.

Fighting drug abuse, which is rated high among the youths is among the RNP priorities.

"We will ensure that such practices do not exist on our premises. We have had a number of experiences where shoddy work is performed on vehicles simply because the mechanic was under the influence of drugs. We shall work closely with the Police and report anyone who abuses drugs in garages,” Bizimana said.

He also called upon his colleagues to respect their clients by not tampering or stealing essential parts from their vehicles, which he said had become a common practice among mechanics.

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