The Director General (DG) of the Public Utilities and Regulatory Authority (PURA), Mr. Yusupha M. Jobe, has stressed on the risks of unsuitable tanker trucks carrying petroleum products.
Speaking at a sensitization forum for operators of tanker trucks and other relevant stakeholders in the petroleum business, relating to the new PURA Information System for Tanker Trucks, acronymed PISTT, the Regulatory Authority’s boss cautioned that “petroleum is a dangerous product”, and therefore mishandling or carrying it through ineligible trucks, has devastating consequences.
The PISTT aims to fast-track the application licenses of tanker truck drivers, inspections and vehicle information of tanker trucks, among others.
According to the PURA DG, the application system is designed purposely to fast-track the application processes, inspections, testing and the production of tested reports. As part of this initiative, the PURA Information System is web-based application that would help to track the license applications, inspections and vehicle information of tanker trucks.
In this way, he explained, there would be a reporting functionality and printable barcode that would help in the tracking details of vehicles.
It is important to note that the database captures driver’s information, details of crew members and other essential data of the tanker trucks.
“As we migrate into a new application database, it is crucial to note that the system is trustworthy, user-friendly and it allows the applicant to quickly log in and submit their applications or input inspection results for speedy application process”, Jobe told the gathered stakeholders. He added that PISTT displays a dashboard that allows people to visualize upcoming vehicle renewals, scans and alerts of new application.
“We happy to inform you that the database is flexible, and it helps for different workflows geared towards improving the speed of the application process,” Jobe enthused.
Mr. Ebrima Jallow of PAGES Company Limited, recalled that some months ago, an accident happened which has claimed life, but he said when PURA probed into the accident, it has detected that the truck involved did not pass the test. He is positive that the new system would eradicate such practices.
“Unlike the old system, which is manual, this new system is an electronic and automated (system). It is very fast from the time of application from transporters until they are issued with the certificate to operate, as well as makes the system transparent”, Jallow echoed.
He stressed that the idea of testing a truck is to ensure that it’s fit to transport petroleum product, for the safety of the transport owner and for everybody, adding that when a truck is not fit to transport petrol, there can be serious consequences, especially wherein an accident occurs.
The PAGES official therefore solicits the cooperation of the stakeholders (tanker truck operators), to comply and use the new system.
