The construction of the country’s first dedicated vehicle test lane will begin shortly, marking a significant milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to modernize land transportation services and enhance road safety.
The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) announced in a statement on Thursday.
Currently, this vehicle inspection technology is stored at the mechanical compound, pending the completion of a dedicated facility to house the equipment.
The procurement process for the necessary machinery was initiated in 2019; however, progress was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent budget re-prioritization.
Over the past four years, the Land Transport Management Service Division (LTMSD) has managed to secure minimal funding and has completed site clearance by demolishing the old Public Works Department building adjacent to the Manawata settlement.
Leslie Nate, Director of LTMSD, stated, “We anticipate that building the test lane will commence early next year.”
The design for the building to house the machinery is now complete, following finalization by the government building and architect team with the designing consultant.
This specialized structure is purpose-built to accommodate advanced testing equipment.
The machinery, supplied by Maha—a leading manufacturer of vehicle testing systems—will significantly enhance inspection accuracy and speed.
Unlike manual checks, which can be time-consuming and prone to human error, the new computerized system will automatically detect vehicle defects, ensuring thorough assessments and reliable results.
The equipment will be connected to monitors and printers, providing clear and immediate feedback to inspectors.
Mr. Nate explained that these cutting-edge technologies will undergo recalibration, as they have been stored in containers for more than three years.
“Once operational, vehicle owners will benefit from shorter wait times, more accurate inspections, and improved road safety,” Mr. Nate said.
“The introduction of this facility is also expected to reduce the number of unroadworthy vehicles on our roads, thereby decreasing accidents and safeguarding the lives of pedestrians and road users.”
The unit continues to collaborate closely with the police traffic division to monitor and address illegal and defective vehicle operations, ensuring a safer transportation environment for all.
The ministry looks forward to the successful completion of this project and the positive impact it will have on our national road safety standards.
New MID Minister Hon. Ricky Fuo’o was briefed on the progress of the test lane, and he expressed his commitment to fast-tracking its development.
He emphasized that this service will continue to generate significant revenue for the government and therefore warrants priority.
– MID Press
