Guinea's Minister of Transport, Ousmane Gaoual Diallo, has announced that over 10,000 vehicles currently in use in the country are no longer fit for road use. This revelation was made during a road safety awareness campaign, where the minister engaged with sector stakeholders and union representatives. The discussions focused on the aging state of Guinea's vehicle fleet and the need to replace vehicles that no longer meet safety standards.
The minister emphasized the importance of adhering to the country's traffic code and exercising greater caution on the roads. He also stressed the need for the judiciary to investigate accidents thoroughly to determine causes and responsibilities. According to Diallo, this approach will help identify infractions and errors that contribute to accidents. He cited the need to establish the circumstances surrounding an accident, including whether the driver was intoxicated or if the vehicle had undergone required technical inspections.
The Ministry of Transport has identified a significant number of vehicles that should no longer be in circulation. Minister Diallo acknowledged that removing these vehicles from the roads will be challenging, as many owners rely on them for their livelihood. To address this issue, the government is exploring ways to support vehicle owners in renewing their fleets. This includes establishing a financing mechanism to enable owners to access credit and purchase new vehicles.
The proposed financing mechanism will not involve distributing vehicles for free but rather providing access to adapted credit facilities. Diallo explained that this approach will allow transporters to borrow money to purchase new vehicles and repay the loans over an extended period. This will require transporters to establish a company, which can more easily secure financing than an individual.
Minister Diallo cited the recent introduction of new taxis to the Guinean market as an example of the government's efforts to modernize the vehicle fleet. He reported that 300 new taxis have already been deployed and that the government is encouraging the importation of new vehicles for public transport and interurban services.
The government aims to provide suitable solutions to address the issue of unroadworthy vehicles. According to Diallo, the Ministry of Transport is working to structure the proposed financing mechanism. The goal is to support the renewal of the vehicle fleet, ensuring that vehicles in circulation meet safety standards and reduce the risk of accidents.
The campaign to renew Guinea's vehicle fleet is part of a broader effort to improve road safety in the country. The government is taking a multi-faceted approach, including public awareness campaigns, stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, and support for transporters to upgrade their vehicles. The minister's announcement highlights the need for a comprehensive strategy to address the country's road safety challenges.
Key points
- Over 10,000 vehicles in Guinea are no longer fit for road use.
- The government is exploring financing mechanisms to support transporters in renewing their vehicle fleets.
- The proposed financing mechanism will provide access to adapted credit facilities to enable transporters to purchase new vehicles.
