English
Kinyarwanda
On Saturday, November 22, Senior government officials, including the Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, and the State Minister for Education, Irere Claudette, took part in the national vehicle inspection and emissions testing exercise at the Automobile Inspection Centre in Ndera, Gasabo District.
Their vehicles were tested for fuel emissions to ensure compliance with environmental standards and promote cleaner air as Rwanda reinforces its commitment to sustainable healthier transportation and environmental protection.
The Rwanda National Police (RNP) moto vehicles used in daily operations are also undergoing inspection to ensure full compliance with environmental standards.
The initiative is now part of the regular inspections for vehicles and motorcycles that assess both mechanical roadworthiness and gas emissions.
Minister Nsanzimana emphasized that clean air is a fundamental component of public health and warned of risks posed by emissions from poorly maintained motor vehicles.
“The air we inhale should be clean and healthy” he said. “Malfunctioning vehicles and motorcycles release harmful gases that contaminate the environment and put people’s health at risk. Participating in emissions testing is about rotecting our families and communities. This is not a burden—it is a life saved.”
He noted that adhering to emissions requirements bring long-term benefits.
“Just as the reduction of speed-related crashes resulted from a collective effort, implementing routine emissions control practices will lead to significant health benefits by reducing air pollution and improving public health.”
Dr. Nsanzimana urged all vehicle and motorcycle owners to adopt emissions control practices as a preventive health measure.
"When we act early by implementing emissions control practices, we can reduce diseases linked to poor air quality, such as respiratory illnesses and lung cancer. Such collaborative efforts are an example of stopping diseases before they reach hospitals.”
State Minister for Education, Claudette Irere, emphasized the importance of safeguarding learners who use roads daily.
“Children use roads everyday to and from school and we must consider the air they breathe,” she said. “Emissions testing should be a standard part of vehicle inspections because protecting young generations is protecting Rwanda’s future.”
She further stressed the importance of raising environmental awareness among learners. “Education has a role to play. Children should grow up understanding the value of clean air and environmental protection.”
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Wellars Gahonzire, the Police spokesperson for the Central region, reaffirmed the Police’s commitment to leading initiatives that enhance public safety and environmental health.
“Roadworthiness inspections save lives by ensuring vehicles are safe. Emissions testing does the same by keeping our air clean. Our vehicles must be properly certified—not only roadworthy but also environmentally safe.”
CIP Gahonzire advised vehicle owners to maximize their visits by booking both mechanical and emission inspections simultaneously at the centres, as these services are conveniently available at the same facilities, making the process more efficient.
