Motor vehicle inspection services are set to get a boost, following the launch of the third lane at the Motor Vehicle Inspection Center (MIC).

With the additional lane, the centre will have the capacity to inspect up to 250 cars per day.

Speaking at the launch, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Emmanuel K. Gasana, pointed out that the since MIC was put under the Police‘s supervision, three years ago, the number of accidents had greatly reduced.

The availability of engine gas emission tester is expected to significantly reduce gas emissions, hence improve environmental protection initiatives.

"The centre began its operations inspecting only 15 cars per day, but currently, we are looking at 250 cars on a daily basis,” IGP Gasana said. Since 2008, MIC has inspected between 90,000 and 100,000 vehicles.

The Rwanda National Police has also expanded the MIC parking yard to accommodate more vehicles and trained its staff.

It has also signed Memorandum of Understanding with Workforce Development Authority and the Rwanda Environment Management Authority to ensure that MIC personnel receive more training.

MIC plans to decentralise its services to provinces with Rwamagana, Huye and Musanze in the first phase. 

However, most of these inspection centres will be gradually extended to 22 towns across the country in the next five years.

"Decentralising MIC services will save time and fuel for motorists coming from outside Kigali,” Gasana said.

The Minister of Infrastructure, Vincent Karega, pointed out that the centre’s services are expensive but necessary. 
He pledged his Ministry’s support to ensure that Rwandan lives are protected.

Karega cautioned foreign motorists from countries that do not carry out motor vehicle inspection, saying that un-roadworthy vehicles would not be tolerated.
Emmanuel Rucamumihayu, a motorist who had brought his car for inspection, believes MIC is important in ensuring that vehicles remain in good shape.

"It’s important to know that you are driving a safe vehicle,” Rucamumihayu said. He commended the improvement in services at MIC, saying that motorists do not have to wait long for the inspection.

Currently, it takes only ten minutes for a motor vehicle to be inspected. The centre caters for both private and commercial vehicles with a certificate issued after a successful inspection.

"We issue a six month certificate for commercial vehicles and a one year certificate for private vehicles,” Superintendent Benoit Nsengiyumva, the MIC Commandant told The New Times.

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