The Eastern Regional Minister, Seth Kwame Acheampong, has touted the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) as a significant milestone that will enhance road infrastructure within the region and improve the lives of its people.

“Our roads are the lifeblood of our communities, and the government has given them a significant boost. They connect our towns and villages, facilitate the movement of people, goods, and services, and are vital to the economic and social development of our region.

“Some of our roads have been in deplorable conditions for some time, hindering access to markets, schools, healthcare facilities, and other essential services, especially in our rural areas,” said Seth Kwame Acheampong.

Seth Kwame Achaempong

He made these remarks during the commissioning of road construction equipment delivered to the region under the DRIP initiative to help improve road networks within the districts in the Eastern Region.

The Minister pointed out that the handing over of the equipment, including motor graders, bulldozers, backhoes, and tipper trucks, among other machines, will empower the assemblies to maintain and improve the road networks within their respective jurisdictions.

He tasked the assemblies with ensuring that the machines are utilized efficiently, as their success depends on collective commitment, proper planning, diligent maintenance, and accountability in their use. He also urged the assemblies to engage with the communities to understand their needs and prioritize road projects that will have the most impact.

In a speech read on behalf of J. A. Plant Pool Ghana Limited by the Chief Communications Officer of the Jospong Group of Companies, Madam Sophia Kudjordji pointed out that the equipment, aside from improving the road networks within the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), will provide employment opportunities for over 5,000 individuals, including drivers, operators, mechanics, welders, sprayers, janitors, among others.

She said the key stakeholders ensuring the successful implementation of DRIP include the Ministry of Roads, the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, the Common Fund Secretariat, the Ghana Armed Forces, and J. A. Plant Pool Ghana Limited.

Madam Sophia Kudjordji mentioned that J. A. Plant Pool, as a service provider, will train and build the capacities of persons engaged in the programme, fuel the machines, supply materials required for road maintenance, and provide comprehensive after-sales services.