The decision by senior government officials, including cabinet members, to take the lead by subjecting their own vehicles to emissions testing is a powerful signal of commitment from the country’s leadership.

It sends a clear message that safeguarding the air we breathe is not a task for a select few but a collective responsibility that starts from the very top.

At a time when respiratory illnesses are on the rise and evidence increasingly points to the harmful impact of vehicle emissions on public health, this gesture is more than symbolic. It reflects a government that recognises the urgency of the moment and is prepared to lead by example.

The truth is that the air quality challenge the country faces does not discriminate. Toxic fumes do not choose who to harm; they put children, workers, commuters, and motorists at equal risk. Every trip we take and every engine we start has an impact on the environment around us.

When vehicles fall into disrepair or deliberately skip routine maintenance, the consequences are felt not only by the owners but by every person who walks, cycles, drives, or simply breathes along our roads.

This is why motorists should not view the emissions tests as an inconvenience or a disruption to their routines. The exercise is a necessity. It is a health safeguard, an environmental responsibility, and a civic duty. If we all agree that clean air is essential for our wellbeing, then ensuring that our vehicles meet acceptable standards should be second nature.

The cost of ignoring this obligation is far greater than the time spent undergoing the test. It manifests in increased hospital visits, weakened immune systems, reduced productivity, and long-term strains on the health sector.

What the involvement of senior leaders achieves is a normalisation of accountability. When those entrusted with the highest offices of the land willingly comply and champion the exercise, it becomes clear that no one is exempt from the rules that protect public welfare. This sets a standard that the rest of us must follow without hesitation.

As the country continues its efforts to tackle air pollution, the responsibility rests with all of us to support these measures with seriousness and honesty. The path to cleaner air will not be paved by government initiatives alone. It will be realised when every motorist takes ownership of their role in this collective effort and embraces emissions testing as a routine part of responsible vehicle ownership.

Clean air is not a privilege for a few but a right for all, and protecting it is a duty none of us can afford to ignore.