The Weights and Measures Agency (WMA) inspection centre in Misugusu, Coast Region, has increased its capacity to inspect fuel tankers from eight to 60 a day, reducing waiting times for transporters and businesses.
The expansion is expected to ease the movement of petroleum products by enabling truck operators to complete mandatory inspections more quickly and resume transportation activities with fewer delays.
Centre manager Mrisho Mandari said the facility inspects tankers transporting petrol and diesel within Tanzania and to neighbouring countries, including Zambia, Malawi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Burundi.
He said the services were previously provided at the agency’s Ilala centre, which could inspect only eight vehicles a day. The government subsequently established the Misugusu facility to accommodate more vehicles and improve service delivery.
“With the current capacity, we can inspect up to 60 vehicles a day, allowing transporters from different regions to access the service and continue with their operations without lengthy delays,” Mandari said.
The increased capacity is particularly important for fuel transporters whose operations depend on timely inspections and valid verification certificates to keep their vehicles on the road.
Raymond George, from Abood Company in Morogoro, said he was satisfied with the service after arriving at the centre in the morning and completing the inspection on the same day.
He encouraged transporters from other regions to use the facility, saying its capacity to handle more vehicles could help simplify their operations.
Anthony Mulenga, who works for Zambia-based Latitude Company, said the firm sends its vehicles to Tanzania for inspection at the centre.
He said the company had received good service and that its drivers had not raised complaints about the inspections.
Other customers also praised the time taken to complete the process, saying they return to the centre when their inspection certificates expire to undergo the required checks before continuing with their transportation activities.
The increase in capacity at Misugusu is intended to improve access to inspection services for fuel transporters operating across Tanzania and neighbouring countries, while reducing the time vehicles spend waiting for verification.