Accra (Greater Accra) 9th June ?99

Mr Mike Hammah, Deputy Minister of Roads and Transport, on Tuesday stressed the need to improve revenue mobilisation in the road sector to finance road maintenance.

Speaking at a workshop organised by the World Bank and the Ministry in Accra on Roads Management Initiative (RMI) and Rural Travel and Transport Programme (RTTP), Mr Hammah said budget allocation covers only 30 per cent of requirements on the ground.

He said that it is for this reason that the Road Fund Concept has been put in place to raise money through the imposition of road tariffs, vehicle licensing fees, and fuel levy.

He said specific agencies have been made responsible for various categories of roads. These are the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) for trunk roads, Department of Feeder Roads and Department of Urban Roads.

He stressed the need to create a more business-like road agency that would involve road users in the management of roads and the introduction of sound practices to ensure that users get value for their money.

Mr Hammah said, apart from addressing staff issues, attention should be paid to giving the various road agencies a clear mandate, effective management and autonomy to enable them act commercially.

The Deputy Minister commended GHA for streamlining its staffing position, disciplinary procedures and introducing a road management system.

Mr J. L Lamptey, Director for Monitoring and Evaluation of the GHA said the fuel levy should be increased gradually to 10 cents per litre by the year 2002 to gather funds for road maintenance.

Mr Lamptey said strategic plans for road maintenance include clearing the backlog of maintenance work, giving the highest priority to routine and periodic maintenance and improving cost recovery.