02 Oct 2015

The Minister of Transport and Communications, Mr Tshenolo Mabeo launched the Intelligent Driver Testing System (IDTS) at Maru-a-Pula practical testing grounds in January this year which was expected to be completed in six months.

BOPA Reporter, Calviniah Kgautlhe visits the grounds to track progress from project co-ordinator, Mr Kwon Min. 

BOPA:  In January this year, the minister launched the IDTS system which was said to be the first of its kind in Africa which will use computer technology to test human’s ability to drive without human interference hence will promote transparency and fairness during issuing of drivers licenses. 

How is the project progressing, Mr Min? 

Project Coordinator: Thank you for tracking progress, we sincerely appreciate. 

Initially the project was scheduled for six months, but now the project scope has changed to include other structures which were initially not a part of the project. 

On top of erecting the testing structure which will be wired with sensors, there are other additional items such as the power generator house, the guard house, security wall and installation of CCTV cameras.  

BOPA: The project was budgeted at US$2.5 million, by how much has the budget increased and when do you expect to complete it? 

Project Coordinator: The budget has obviously increased, but I cannot disclose the amount. 

When we set the time frame, we overlooked the fact that the ground compaction here is different from Korea. 

However, we are working on it, so far the project is 50 per cent complete and we expect to finish by the first quarter of 2016, by March. 

We have done the necessary ground work as you can see the roundabout, the parking, gear shifts and the traffic lights drawings on the ground. 

The control room which has two floors is 70 per cent complete. 

BOPA: In terms of capacity, how many people can the system test in a day?

Project Coordinator: The system, which is a Korean invention, is designed to allow one driver to be tested for 10 minutes. 

The results are available immediately when the client gets out of the vehicle because when one makes mistakes while in the car, the computer keeps a record and submits results. 

In Korea, the system has the ability to test 100 people in three hours. 

Now in terms of capacity here, the first floor is the waiting room and has a capacity of 20 people waiting and the second floor is the control room where data from sensors is processed. 

BOPA: Is this a 100 per cent Korean operation? How many Batswana have you employed? 

Project Coordinator: No. We have employed locals. We work with about 15 local companies who deal with the construction aspect. 

BOPA: Thank you for the update Mr Min, and wish you all the best. 

Project Coordinator: Thank you. Ends