More than one in five vehicles tested for gas emissions in Rwanda failed to meet the required standards, according to data from Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA). ALSO READ: Over 8,000 vehicles tested for emissions since late August Between August 25 and October 31, a total of 9,118 vehicles were inspected across the country’s four automobile inspection centres; Remera, Musanze, Rwamagana and Huye. Of these, 22.6 per cent did not pass the emission test. The tests, according to REMA, assess the amount of pollutants released by vehicles. For diesel engines, inspectors measure the opacity of exhaust fumes, while for petrol-powered vehicles, they check levels of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. Vehicles that exceed the set emission limits fail the inspection. ALSO READ: Air pollution: Experts reflect on new vehicle testing scheme Speaking during a demonstration of gas emission testing at the Remera Automobile Inspection Centre on Friday, November 1, Environment Minister Bernadette Arakwiye said the ongoing inspections are revealing the poor condition of many vehicles on the road. “We have been testing cars for a while, and the key lesson we are learning is that we have many cars that are in bad shape,” she said. Arakwiye emphasised that emission testing helps vehicle owners understand the condition of their cars and take appropriate action to improve them. ALSO READ: Rwanda to start testing motorcycle emissions, enhance compliance “The emission testing really helps you understand what is the status of your car and understand what action you need to take in order to improve it,” she noted, adding that those which fail are given guidance and support to make improvements before returning for another test. She also pointed out that even vehicles that pass the test receive maintenance advice. The minister said the government plans to integrate emission tests into the regular vehicle inspection process. “When you are due for a mechanical test, you should also have an emission test. That way you have clarity of the mechanical part of your car and whether the emissions you have aren’t polluting our air,” she said. She urged all motorists to take part in the programme, noting that poor air quality poses a growing threat to public health. “We are seeing really worrying trends in our air quality. We are experiencing poor air quality in the country and we know the impact that this has on our population, particularly the young, the youth and the elderly or those that have other conditions or illness,” she warned. Arakwiye added that air pollution can reduce life expectancy.
