The main objective of this workshop organized by the ministry responsible for East African community affairs was to raise awareness among Stakeholders of the East african Community’s regulations on road transport.
This involves: Informing Stakeholders of the content of the East African Community’s regional regulations on road transport, to help stakeholders understand the need to accelerate the implementation
implementation of community regulations, especially article 89 of the treaty establishing the East African Community. This article in its first paragraph stipulates that the implementation of regulations relating to road transport in the EAC country must be identical in all EAC member countries.
During the workshop, participants reported that Burundians responsible for transport trucks are unaware of this law, which is why they are frequently enough exposed to sanctions linked to tonnage and traffic laws.
Compared to paying ten dollars per kilometer for road maintenance, participants indicated that Burundi is in a loss situation and will not be able to maintain the roads damaged by these trucks.
Regarding this question, Jean Nduwimana, the general director of public infrastructure at the ministry responsible for EAC affairs, said that Burundi has requested that there be studies to compare the cost of building the road. of ten kilometers in Burundi and Tanzania so that there is equity between EAC member countries.
The participants hoped that the senior authorities would become more involved in protecting the Burundians who are victims of this situation.
Interview: Understanding the East african Community’s Road Transport Regulations
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Thank you for joining us today. We’re here to discuss recent developments surrounding the East African Community (EAC) regulations on road transport. To begin, could you share the key objectives of the recent workshop organized by the ministry responsible for EAC affairs?
Expert: Absolutely, thank you for having me. The primary aim of the workshop was to raise awareness among stakeholders about the EAC’s regulations on road transport. A significant aspect of this is informing participants about the regional regulations and the importance of effectively implementing them, notably Article 89 of the EAC treaty, which emphasizes the need for uniform implementation across member states.
Interviewer: That’s an important point. How do these regulations impact the transport industry in Burundi specifically?
Expert: The implications are significant. During the workshop, it became clear that many transport operators in Burundi are unaware of the regulations, which has led to them being frequently penalized for violations related to tonnage and traffic laws. This lack of knowledge places Burundians in a difficult position, as they incur costs for road maintenance that are disproportionate compared to their peers in other EAC countries.
Interviewer: Can you elaborate on the financial implications mentioned during the workshop? How does this affect road maintenance in Burundi?
Expert: Certainly. Participants indicated that burundians pay about ten dollars per kilometer for road maintenance,which puts them at a disadvantage. Without compliance and understanding of the regulations, they risk facing economic losses and an inability to properly maintain roads that are damaged by heavy transport trucks. This creates a cycle of degradation of infrastructure and increased operational costs, further complicating the logistics landscape in the region.
Interviewer: You mentioned discussions initiated by Jean Nduwimana regarding equity in road construction costs among EAC member countries. what is the significance of this request?
Expert: Nduwimana’s request for comparative studies on the cost of constructing ten kilometers of road in burundi versus Tanzania is crucial for fostering equity in infrastructure progress. By understanding these cost differences, the EAC can develop strategies to create a level playing field among member countries. This is essential for promoting fair competition and improving regional transport logistics.
Interviewer: During the workshop, what were the participants’ hopes regarding government involvement?
Expert: Participants expressed a strong desire for senior authorities to take a more active role in protecting Burundian stake operators. Their hope is that intervention can definitely help address the injustices faced by transport operators who are currently victims of regulatory ignorance and unfair penalties. This kind of support could bolster their operating conditions and ensure adherence to EAC regulations.
Interviewer: What practical advice would you offer stakeholders in the transport sector considering these findings?
Expert: My advice would be twofold. First, stakeholders should invest time in understanding the EAC regulations, as compliance can mitigate risks of penalties and enhance operational efficiency. Secondly, I encourage them to engage with their respective ministries and participate in discussions that advocate for better implementation and support of the laws.An informed and proactive approach will ultimately lead to a more stable and prosperous transport sector in Burundi and throughout the EAC.
Interviewer: Thank you for sharing such valuable insights. It’s clear that understanding and implementing these regulations is crucial for the growth of the transport industry in East Africa.
Expert: Thank you for having me. I hope this encourages more dialog and engagement among stakeholders across the region.