Madam Addo-Lartey expects massive upgrades to road

Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund, Irene Naa Torshie Addo-Lartey, emphasized the critical need for investing in the capacities of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to drive sustainable development at both the district and national levels.

Speaking at the commissioning of equipment for the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), she highlighted the alignment of this initiative with the National Roads Development Policy, aimed at significantly enhancing road infrastructure across districts.
“As we empower the MMDAs to build road infrastructure, we are not only improving the lives of their constituents, but we are also creating more resilient and self-sufficient communities to promote local economic development,” said Madam Addo-Lartey.
The initiative, she explained, is expected to result in massive upgrades to road infrastructure, which will boost local businesses, improve accessibility, and stimulate regional economies.
The DACF has made it a core agenda to capacitate MMDAs with the necessary resources to oversee holistic development and progress in their jurisdictions. Addo-Lartey expressed excitement about DACF’s partnership in DRIP to accelerate road infrastructure development at the local level, addressing poor road conditions and related issues.
As a funding partner of DRIP, the DACF is committed to supporting the initiative in the long term. The programme aims to significantly improve district road networks, facilitating the free movement of goods and people, enhancing transportation of farm produce to reduce post-harvest losses, opening new markets for local farmers, and improving access to healthcare. These improvements are expected to contribute to the overall quality of life.

The first batch of equipment, including caterpillars, bulldozers, and concrete mixers, marks a significant step in enabling MMDAs to be self-reliant in fulfilling their mandate, leading to economic growth. Addo-Lartey noted that resourcing MMDAs with these tools would also create employment, enhance local capacity for infrastructure maintenance, expedite the completion of road projects, reduce delays in road maintenance, and provide better access to essential services in districts. This effort is part of the government’s long-term strategy to build the capacity of MMDAs for economic independence at the district level.

She thanked the Government of Ghana, led by President Nana Akufo-Addo, and the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development, along with partners such as the Ministry of Roads and Transport, J.A. Plantpool Ghana Ltd., and the MMDAs, for making this initiative a reality.

The commissioning of 2,240 pieces of equipment signifies a monumental step towards enhancing Ghana’s road infrastructure and decentralizing development. Spearheaded by the government, this initiative is set to revolutionize the maintenance and rehabilitation of roads across MMDAs, fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for citizens.

Despite notable progress, many district roads in Ghana remain in poor condition, hampering economic activities and development. The DRIP project addresses this critical issue by equipping MMDAs with motor graders, backhoes, rollers, wheel loaders, bulldozers, tipper trucks, concrete mixers, water tankers, and low beds, ensuring they have the necessary resources to maintain and rehabilitate their road networks.

The potential impact of this initiative is profound. With an estimated creation of 10,000 jobs for mechanics, engineers, and artisans, DRIP not only improves infrastructure but also boosts employment and skill development. A four-member committee at each MMDA will oversee the programme, ensuring high standards of quality and accountability, involving technical officers from relevant ministries and a representative from the 48 Engineer Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces.

Moreover, the government’s collaborative approach with technical universities, spearheaded by the Jospong Group, aims to train Ghanaian students in mechanical, electrical, and auto engineering disciplines. This partnership, which includes prestigious institutions like Legon and Lanzhou University in China, promises skill training, exchange programs, internships, and employment opportunities, further empowering the youth and enhancing the technical expertise required to sustain the initiative.

To ensure the longevity and efficiency of the equipment, the government has introduced 32 mobile service vans for 24-hour after-sales service across various districts and a state-of-the-art 24-hour call center to assist equipment operators. These measures, along with tracking and telemarketing devices for real-time monitoring, will guarantee the effective usage and maintenance of the equipment.

However, the success of DRIP hinges on stringent monitoring and compliance mechanisms. The Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development has been tasked with establishing robust evaluation systems to track progress and ensure accountability. This oversight is crucial to avert misuse and ensure the equipment serves its intended purpose.

The government’s investment of over GH₵10 billion in road infrastructure development since January underscores its commitment to transforming the nation’s road networks. The DRIP initiative is a significant milestone in these efforts, promising to enhance trade, accessibility to basic services, and overall mobility of goods and services.

The District Road Improvement Programme represents a visionary step towards sustainable development in Ghana. By empowering MMDAs with the necessary tools and resources, the government is not only addressing immediate infrastructure needs but also investing in the long-term socio-economic growth of the nation. The success of this initiative will depend on continuous collaboration, stringent monitoring, and the unwavering commitment of all stakeholders to ensure that Ghana’s road infrastructure is robust, reliable, and resilient for generations to come.