The Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), Irene Naa Torshie Addo-Lartey, has stated that the first batch of equipment under the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) is a critical step in empowering the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
According to her, MMDAs play a crucial role in overseeing holistic development and progress in their respective jurisdictions hence providing them with the necessary resources will enhance their mandate and boost socio-economic development.
Speaking at the launch of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), which aligns with the National Roads Development Policy to significantly and sustainably improve road infrastructure across the districts, the DACF administrator stated that the program will accelerate the development of road infrastructure at the local level to address poor road conditions and associated problems.
“As a funding partner of DRIP, we are committed to supporting this important initiative in the long term to significantly improve the road networks in the districts. This will facilitate the free movement of goods and people, enhance transportation of farm produce to reduce post-harvest losses, open new markets for local farmers, and improve access to healthcare, among other benefits, thereby contributing to the overall improvement in quality of life.
“It is anticipated that providing MMDAs with this equipment will also create employment, enhance local capacity for infrastructure maintenance, facilitate the completion of road projects, reduce delays in road maintenance, and provide better access to essential services in the districts,” Irene Naa Torshie Addo-Lartey explained.
The DACF administrator expressed confidence that the allocation of construction equipment to the respective MMDAs will address their specific needs.
“We are confident that we will see massive upgrading of the road infrastructure which will in turn boost local businesses, improve accessibility and stimulate regional economies, among others.
“Investing in the capacities of MMDAs has become crucial for sustainable development and progress at the district level and the country as a whole. As we empower the MMDAs to build road infrastructure, we are not only improving the lives of their constituents, but we are also creating a more resilient and self-sufficient communities to promote local economic development,” she concluded.
The District Road Improvement Programme, which was launched by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on July 31, 2024, is part of the government’s long-term strategy to structurally build the capacity of the MMDAs to achieve socio-economic independence at the district level.
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
