UNRA to network weighbridges
Aug 11, 2011
THE Uganda National Roads Authority has contracted a German-based company, Boss-Pro-Tech, to build a network that will connect the weighbridges across the country.
By Samuel Balagadde
THE Uganda National Roads Authority has contracted a German-based company, Boss-Pro-Tech, to build a network that will connect the weighbridges across the country.
Geoffrey Obara, the roads authority axle load control manager, said the technology would assist all stakeholders in accessing the data at any weighbridge.
“Weighbridges are managed by human beings who are not immune to corruption.
The technology will also address this issue,†said Obara during a truck drivers’ sensitisation workshop on weighbridges at Kolping Hotel in Bwaise, a Kampala suburb, recently.
He said the measures were also aimed at protecting the road infrastructure from deteriorating before its due time and minimise maintenance and general reconstruction costs.
“The move is one of the interventions aimed at containing conspiracy between weighbridge operators and transporters,†Obara said.
When completed, truck owners or government officials will be able to monitor all weighbridges across the country at different points.
Ibrahim Kasiita, a weighbridge specialist with UNRA, warned the truck drivers against overloading, saying they would be arrested and charged.
However, truck drivers, under the Regional Lorry Drivers and Transporters Association, demanded uniform treatment of all overloaded trucks.
Byron Kinene, the association chairman, said small trucks were overloading, but were not apprehended. When one is convicted for overloading, they face a year in jail or pay a sh300,000 fine or both.
There are weighbridge stations at Lukaya, Mbarara, Mubende, Mbale, Luweero, and Busia. The one at Magamaga is still under construction.
THE Uganda National Roads Authority has contracted a German-based company, Boss-Pro-Tech, to build a network that will connect the weighbridges across the country.
Geoffrey Obara, the roads authority axle load control manager, said the technology would assist all stakeholders in accessing the data at any weighbridge.
“Weighbridges are managed by human beings who are not immune to corruption.
The technology will also address this issue,†said Obara during a truck drivers’ sensitisation workshop on weighbridges at Kolping Hotel in Bwaise, a Kampala suburb, recently.
He said the measures were also aimed at protecting the road infrastructure from deteriorating before its due time and minimise maintenance and general reconstruction costs.
“The move is one of the interventions aimed at containing conspiracy between weighbridge operators and transporters,†Obara said.
When completed, truck owners or government officials will be able to monitor all weighbridges across the country at different points.
Ibrahim Kasiita, a weighbridge specialist with UNRA, warned the truck drivers against overloading, saying they would be arrested and charged.
However, truck drivers, under the Regional Lorry Drivers and Transporters Association, demanded uniform treatment of all overloaded trucks.
Byron Kinene, the association chairman, said small trucks were overloading, but were not apprehended. When one is convicted for overloading, they face a year in jail or pay a sh300,000 fine or both.
There are weighbridge stations at Lukaya, Mbarara, Mubende, Mbale, Luweero, and Busia. The one at Magamaga is still under construction.