The Djéréhouye axle weighing station in Atakpamé, situated 180 kilometers north of Lomé, has received certification for compliance with the UEMOA region’s standards. This certification was granted by the Togolese Metrology Agency (ATOMET) after a verification process conducted in the middle of last week. The facility, which is intended to assess the weight of trucks on National Highway 1, has undergone testing in accordance with international legal metrology standards (OIML).
The successful technical validation of the equipment now allows for a series of scheduled inspections. A compliance assessment will be performed biannually, along with quarterly technical oversight by the Autonomous Road Maintenance Financing Company (SAFER).
This routine is designed to ensure the effective operation of the weighing system and to protect the nation’s road infrastructure, particularly as authorities strive to ensure the longevity of investments in the transportation sector. “When a truck carries a compliant load, it uses less fuel, reduces pollution, and minimizes road damage. This is advantageous for everyone: carriers, road users, and particularly the environment,” states Tchandine Koffi, IT assistant at SAFER. Positioned at the northern exit of Atakpamé, the Djéréhouye checkpoint is crucial for managing road traffic along trade routes connecting the southern and northern regions of the country.
It plays a key role in identifying and penalizing overloaded vehicles to enhance user safety and prolong the lifespan of roadways. “This initiative is aimed at preventing the premature degradation of road infrastructure,” remarks Dermane Tadjudini, Director of Road and Rail Transport.