The District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), an initiative established with the goal of improving Ghana’s road network by addressing issues facing the nation’s metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies (MMDAs) and decentralising the development of road infrastructure, has been launched.
The programme will enable the provision of some 2240 pieces of road equipment to MMDAs, including low beds, tipper trucks, backhoes, rollers, wheel loaders, bulldozers, water tankers, and concrete mixers to maintain and repair the roads under their different localities.
Specifically, the equipment will help local assemblies perform necessary maintenance tasks like grading, graveling, minor road improvements, and building drainage systems to improve access to social services.
They were acquired through a partnership between the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) and the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development, whereas the implementation of the project will be overseen by a four-member committee in each assembly, including a technical officer from the Local Government Ministry, Ministry of Roads and Highways, 48 Engineers Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) under the chairmanship of the MMDCEs.
Speaking at the launch, President Akufo-Addo claimed that the incident demonstrated the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government’s resolve to decentralise development and make sure that Ghana as a whole benefits from the advancement and prosperity the country works to achieve.
Road infrastructure, he continued, is the foundation of social and economic development because it links communities, facilitates trade, provides access to healthcare and educational resources, and eventually raises the standard of living for all residents.
According to the President, in spite of the significant gains made in the road sector so far, many rural communities still have poor road networks, which impede development and commercial activities.
“Despite the considerable progress we have made, many of our roads, particularly in the rural districts, remain in deplorable condition, hampering economic activities and development efforts, but today we take a giant step in addressing these challenges,” he said.
Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development, Martin Adjei Mensah Korsah, emphasised the importance of ensuring an efficient maintenance regime for the equipment to ensure it serves its purpose for a considerably long term.
Irene Naa Torshie Addo-Lartey, the Administrator of the District Assembly Common Fund, said the fund, which originated DRIP, aims to improve roads, enhance farm produce transportation, reduce post-harvest losses, and open new markets for farmers, thereby enhancing overall quality of life.
She further praised President Akufo Addo for his leadership in bringing the programme to pass.
According to Joseph Siaw Agyapong, Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group and Head of JA Plant Pool Gh, the Ghanaian company that facilitated the procurement of the equipment, a significant portion of the equipment was assembled locally, creating jobs for approximately 2000 people, including the 48th Engineer Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces, which provided technical support.
He disclosed that the program offers vast opportunities for 5,000 individuals, including drivers, operators, mechanics, welders, operators, and janitors, creating numerous job opportunities.
He additionally stated that 32 mobile service vans equipped with tracking and telemarketing devices had been deployed to provide 24/7 real-time monitoring, which will provide information on driver management, fuel usage, and geofencing.
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