Govt yet to outsource CoF services in the North
Minister of Transport and Public Works Malison Ndau says government is yet to outsource vehicle testing and inspection services for the Directorate of Road Traffic and Safety Services (DRTSS) offices in Mzuzu and Karonga.
In October 2014, DRTSS invited expressions of interest, from private garages and motor vehicle dealers to participate in the programme under which successful garages will be granted a five-year contract with subsequent renewal for a two-year period.
Speaking in an interview last week, Ndau said thus far, only Blantyre, Zomba and Mangochi offices have outsourced the services of private garages which are expected to roll out in this month.
He said: “We have two more companies which have been given certificates to be issuing CoFs in Blantyre, namely Toyota Malawi and Dalitso Suppliers while Zomba and Mangochi CoF departments will be run by Plant and Vehicle Hire and Engineering Services (PVHES).”
Ndau said they are yet to outsource the services for Mzuzu and Karonga because the companies that had applied were advised to sort out some technical capacity issues.
Last week, the minister toured DRTSS Southern Region office to appreciate the challenges faced in issuing CoFs.
Acting regional road traffic officer for the South Christopher Kuyera said the challenge being experienced at the CoF department has created a huge backlog.
He said: “What could be done to check this is perhaps to waive restrictions that are there for now until when everything is done on the ground and we can limit the number of CoFs that can be processed by an examiner on a daily basis.”
