RTOA queries decision too utsource CoF services
The Road Transport Operators Association of Malawi (RTOA) has queried government decision to outsource vehicle testing and inspection services to private garages, saying the arrangement could be prone to corruption and abuse.
Minister of Transport and Public Works Francis Kasaila recently announced that government has decided to outsource vehicle testing and inspection services to the private sector as one way of fighting congestion at the country’s Road Traffic and Safety Services offices.
He said once outsourced, it will improve service delivery. Currently, the process is at procurement stage.
Kasaila said this is one of the key achievements the road transport sector has made over the years and many more initiatives and are in the pipeline.
But RTOA executive director Chrissie Flao, in an interview, said the decision by government though welcome, will create a lot of challenges if implemented.
“Much as this is a very good move taken by the government, questions must be asked as to how the companies selected will make sure that unroadworthy vehicles are not certified fit.
“If government is failing to administer certificate of fitness [CoF] services and people are abusing it, will the private garages do a good job to make sure that lives of innocent people are protected?” she queried.
Flao said government has, however, assured them that the process of selecting the garages to offer the services will be done in a transparent and professional manner.
“I also enquired as to how the garages that will be offering the CoF services will be identified. But government assured us that they will be punishing any garage owner who will be flouting procedures,” she said.
A renowned garage owner based in Lilongwe also said the process of selecting garages will have to be explained well to Malawians because some might think that it will be prone to abuse.
