Too many accidents, too many lives lost: the government no longer wants to stand by and watch. In Ziguinchor, a large-scale technical inspection of intercity vehicles with 12 to 19 seats has just begun. The goal: to put an end to the mechanical chaos that threatens passengers every day and to reduce the scourge of road insecurity.

 

Under the leadership of the Ministry of Land and Air Transport, and supervised by Papa Mohamed Ndao, head of the road transport division in Ziguinchor, this tour marks a turning point. "It's a necessity. Even if we can't completely eradicate accidents, this thorough inspection will help reduce them and strengthen passenger safety," he explains.

 

The system relies on a mobile testing bench capable of thoroughly diagnosing the mechanical condition of vehicles, going far beyond standard checks. On the first day alone, 144 vehicles registered and 43 have already been inspected, demonstrating the carriers' commitment, according to information from the Ziguinchor road transport division. The operation will continue until its completion before expanding to Kaolack and other regions.

 

The measure was welcomed by transport operators.

 

Amadou Mokhtar Beye, a transporter in Ziguinchor, is delighted: “Honestly, it’s a very good idea. Non-compliant vehicles are detected, repaired, and safely put back on the road. Without a technical inspection, the insurance company absolves itself of all responsibility in the event of an accident.”

 

He adds: "At first, some drivers were reluctant, thinking it would be complicated. But in the end, it's simple and quick. Everyone comes back for their check."

 

Gora Gueye, a driver from Thiès, insists on individual responsibility: "It's not the buses that cause the accidents, but the drivers' behavior. If you drive normally, the car is a good means of transport," he says.

 

Another scourge: Jakarta motorcycles

 

While intercity vehicles are now under strict surveillance, the authorities are not forgetting Jakarta motorcycles, which are responsible for the majority of recorded accidents. Papa Mohamed Ndao explains: "The most frequent accidents involve Jakarta motorcycles. We will continue awareness campaigns and registration to better identify these vehicles."

 

Authorities remind drivers that this technical inspection is mandatory. Vehicles that have not undergone the inspection are subject to penalties and may be denied insurance coverage. Carriers who have not yet presented their vehicles in Ziguinchor will be able to do so at subsequent stages, notably in Kaolack or Dakar.