Central Province Transport Authority (CPTA) stride forward today as they inked a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Road Traffic Authority (RTA), representing an essential moment in their partnership aimed at enhancing transport systems and boosting revenue generation within the province. The MOA, which comes on the heels of legislative amendments passed by Parliament, designates the transfer of land transport functions from the Department of Transport to RTA, thereby entrusting RTA with the regulatory oversight of all land transport services across the nation. The signing ceremony was graced by esteemed dignitaries including Mr. David Jerram, Managing Director of Central Province Transport Authority (CPTA), Mr. Edward Kila, Acting Provincial Advisor, Madam Rufina Peter, Honourable Governor for Central Province, Mr. Nelson Terema, CEO of RTA, and Gabrielle Bona Paike, Policy Development Manager. This transition marks a significant development in the transport landscape, restructuring operations and nurturing a more unified regulatory framework. Mr. Jerram shed light on the historical journey of CPTA, tracing its evolution from its inception in 1994 to its present-day role as a pivotal player in the province's transport sector. He emphasized that while the transition to RTA signifies a shift in administrative channels, the core functions of CPTA remains unchanged, with a renewed focus on aligning operations with the provisions of the RTA Act of 2014. Echoing Mr. Jerram's sentiments, Mr. Nelson Terema, CEO of RTA, clarified the significance of the MOA in empowering provincial authorities to take ownership of land transport services. He underscored RTA's commitment to facilitating this transition, emphasizing that the delegation of functions back to the provinces is evidence to RTA's collaborative approach in advancing the transport agenda. "We are here to partner with the provinces. We are here to support the province," stated Mr. Terema. "Our aim is not to extract revenue but to empower provinces to enhance road transport services and bolster internal revenue generation." Madam Rufina Peter, Governor for Central Province, expressed her gratitude for the legislative amendments that will enable CPTA to expand its internal revenue through vehicle registrations and driver licensing fee. She commended the collaborative efforts of CPTA and RTA in driving this initiative, recognizing the pivotal role it plays in boosting the province's financial resilience. "This signing marks a significant milestone for Central Province," said Governor Peter. "The increased revenue from registrations and licensing fees will provide much-needed impetus for our development initiatives, particularly in infrastructure and road maintenance." "Our highways are the lifelines of our province, serving as vital arteries for the movement of goods, services, and people," stated Governor Peter. The signing of the MOA symbolized a new chapter in the partnership between CPTA and RTA, paving the way for enhanced transport systems and bolstered revenue streams for Central Province.