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Prez Akufo-Addo launches DRIP programme to improve roads

The Government has handed over some 2, 240 units of earth-moving equipment and other ancillary tools to all 261 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) within the country following the successful launch of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP).

Date Created : 7/31/2024 12:00:00 AM : Story Author : Emmanuel Frimpong/Ghanadistricts.com

The equipment, which comprises bulldozers, rollers, graders, tipper trucks and water tankers are to be used for road construction, upgrading and rehabilitation works in every corner of the country.

At the launch of DRIP and handing over of the equipment in Accra on Wednesday, President Akufo-Addo described the initiative as crucial in transforming road networks in the country.

He added that the event marks an important milestone in the country’s pursuit for infrastructural development, and a proof of the government’s determination to decentralize development and ensure progress in every corner of the country.

As the backbone of economic growth and development of every developing country, President Akufo-Addo insisted that, roads facilitate trade, enable access to education and healthcare and ultimately improve the quality of the lives of the ordinary citizenry.

He however bemoaned that, in spite of the considerable achievements made by his government, many of the country’s roads particularly in the rural communities remain in deplorable conditions which he said was hampering economic activities and development efforts.

He noted that, it was for this reason that the government has launched the DRIP programme which is designed to empower Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) with resources and equipment necessary to rehabilitate and maintain roads within the districts.

“Today we take a giant step towards addressing these challenges. The District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) is designed to empower Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) with resources and equipment necessary to rehabilitate and maintain roads within the districts' ', the President opined.

Also speaking at the launch, Mr Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, the Minister of Local Government, Decentralization and Rural Development, said the number of road construction equipment handed over to the MMDAs was unprecedented in the country's history.

He was hopeful that the equipment and other ancillary tools would improve the conditions of road networks in rural and urban areas to ensure mobility of goods and services.

He disclosed that the Government had set up stringent monitoring and compliance mechanisms to ensure proper use of the equipment to avert their misuse.