By Godwill Arthur- Mensah
Accra, July 26, GNA-Parliament on Friday, July 25, passed the Road Maintenance Trust Fund Bill into law, to provide sustainable financing for the maintenance and rehabilitation of public roads, bridges and related infrastructure in the country.
The establishment of the Trust Fund would ensure timely maintenance, protect existing road investment, reduce long-term repair costs and support economic development of the country.
Mr Isaac Adjei Mensah, the Chairman of the Parliament’s Road and Transportation Committee, while presenting the Committee’s report at the plenary, said the current system for funding road maintenance works was inadequate, leading to rapid road deterioration, and high vehicle operating costs.
Meanwhile, Mr Kwame Agbodza, the Minister of Roads and Highways, said the establishment of the Fund would provide a governance framework, allocation and disbursement of funds, as well as planning and contract framework oversight and accountability.
Despite the importance of road infrastructure, the Minister said, the road sector had been plagued with persistent challenges including irregular financing, inadequate accountability for released funds and disparities in regional investment.
“The establishment of the Road Maintenance Trust Fund is designed as a ring-fenced performance-linked for financing routine, periodic emergency, and minor rehabilitation works on public roads, bridges and associated infrastructure,” the Minister stated.
Ghana’s road infrastructure is critical to national development because it enables connectivity to businesses, education, health and essential services.
GNA
Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah