Experts have commended government efforts to combat air pollution with the introduction of a new modern vehicle testing mechanism, aimed at reducing air pollution while enhancing the efficiency and reliability of vehicle inspections.

Egide Nkuranga, an environmental specialist and Member of Parliament, stressed the urgency of tackling rising air pollution levels in Rwanda.

"First of all, Rwanda is in the red, meaning it is among countries that has cities suffering from polluted air. Research has shown that motorcycles, especially petrol-powered ones due to their extensive use, significantly emit air pollutants,” he noted.

"The government has a responsibility to protect its citizens. Studies indicate there have been deaths caused by breathing polluted air, necessitating regulatory measures to curb air pollution,” Nkuranga added.

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Highlighting the benefits of the new testing mechanism, he said, "If a vehicle is found to release excessive pollutants, it will not meet the required standards.

The owner will receive guidance on addressing the issue.” He emphasised the mechanism’s ability to pinpoint the causes of excessive emissions.

Abias Maniragaba, another environmental expert, highlighted the importance of regulating air pollution in Kigali.

"I fully support this project. In Kigali, which has the highest concentration of vehicles, air pollution is evident. Advanced software shows a noticeable improvement in air quality when one steps outside Kigali,” he said.

Maniragaba underscored the initiative's importance in protecting vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with preexisting conditions. "These groups often bear the brunt of consuming polluted air,” he stated.

He also praised the efficiency of the upcoming program, noting, "This program will improve the vehicle inspection process by subjecting vehicles to various conditions, making it easier to determine their status.”

In 2022, a campaign by the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) and the Rwanda National Police, titled "Healthy Vehicle, Cleaner Skies,” revealed that 80% of tested vehicles, mainly older ones, emitted excessive greenhouse gases in urban areas.

During a parliamentary session on Tuesday, January 7, Minister of Infrastructure Jimmy Gasore reiterated the government’s commitment to combating vehicle-induced air pollution.

"Rwanda isn’t where it wants to be in reducing air pollutants. Measures have been taken to adhere to standards governing emissions from imported vehicles,” Gasore stated.

He highlighted plans to enhance the testing capacity of the Motor Vehicle Inspection Centre (MIC).

"In collaboration with the National Police and other institutions, we aim to establish a dedicated entity for moderating and evaluating vehicle emissions during inspections,” he explained.

Gasore revealed that the new project is already underway and expected to be operational by year-end.

"This project has started, and we anticipate it will be fully functional by the end of this year,” he said.

The initiative will also include emission tests for motorcycles, which were previously excluded.

"Using modern techniques, we’ll evaluate emissions from motorbikes, a significant step forward,” he added.

Modernising vehicle testing techniques

Gasore outlined limitations in the current testing mechanism, which relies on idle testing—a parked vehicle’s emissions are measured while stationary.

"This process doesn’t capture a vehicle’s full health and functionality. For instance, a car might not emit smoke on flat terrain but could do so on hilly roads,” he explained.

The new project will employ advanced techniques, such as dynamic testing.

"Vehicles will be tested on rotating platforms that simulate various driving conditions. Additionally, onboard diagnostics will alert drivers to issues, facilitating timely resolutions,” Gasore elaborated.

Petrol-powered vehicles are among the highest emitters of air pollutants. As part of its long-term strategy, the government has stopped the registration of petrol-powered motorcycles, further reducing emissions and fostering cleaner air in urban areas.