The Eastern Regional Minister, Hon Seth Kwame Acheampong has presented earth movement vehicles to Municipal and District Assemblies in the Eastern region under the District Road network Improvement Programme (DRIP) program.
The program is a national initiative by the Government of Ghana which was launched by President Nana Akufo-Addo in Accra and is aimed at improving the road network in rural and urban areas.
The earth movement vehicles include motor graders, bulldozers, backhoes, tipper trucks and other machinery.
The Minister said that the program is a significant milestone in a collective effort to enhance the infrastructure within the region and improve the lives of the people.
To him, the initiative is a testament to government’s commitment to deepen decentralisation and local governance as enshrined in chapter 20 of the 1992 constitution.
Hon Seth Acheampong stated that roads connect to towns and villages, facilitate the movement of goods and services, and are vital to the economic and social development in the region.
‘‘Unfortunately, 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,’’ he stressed.
Hon Seth Acheampong explained that the program will a major step towards addressing the road challenges adding that the earth movement vehicles will empower the assemblies to maintain and improve the road network within their respective jurisdictions.
He indicated that the equipment would go a long way to ensure roads safer, accessible and more reliable regardless of the season.
Hon Seth Acheampong emphasized on success of DRIP which depends largely on the collective commitment to proper planning, diligent commitment to proper planning, diligent maintenance and accountability in the use of the machines.
‘‘It is imperative that these resources are utilized efficiently and effectively,’’ Hon Seth Acheampong said.
He acknowledged the support of JA Plant Pool, the suppliers of the equipment who will also be responsible for maintenance’s, supply of spare parts as well as technical training for personnel handling the machines.
Hon Seth Acheampong said urged the assemblies to engage with the communities to understand their needs and prioritize road projects that will have the most significant impact.
Chief Corporate Communications Officer at the Jospong Group of Companies, Sophia Kudjordji on her part said government recognized the critical role of improved road infrastructure in the country.
She added that the main goal of the DRIP is to improve road infrastructure within the Metropolitan, Municipal and. District Assemblies (MMDAs) by providing heavy-duty equipment such as bulldozers, wheel loaders, Motor graders, rollers, Tipper trucks, concrete mixers and many others.
Madam Kudjordji affirmed that program will create employment opportunities created through JA Plantpool, poised to recruit a workforce of over 5,000 individuals, including drivers, operators, mechanics, welders, sprayers, janitors, and many others.
‘‘This initiative would support our country’s economic growth and empower Ghanaians with valuable skills and stable employment. JA Plant pool, the service provider, will, among other things, train and build the capacities of persons engaged in this program, Fuel the machines, supply materials required for road maintenance, and provide comprehensive after sales services’’ said Madam Kudjordji.
She continued that mobile service vans will be deployed each equipped with specialized tools and staffed with trained technicians, to provide 24/7 service for the DRIP and will be strategically located across the country to ensure prompt and efficient maintenance and repair services.
The vans, along with our workshops located in all 33 Municipals and district of the region, will provide comprehensive after-sales services, ensuring that the vehicles remain in excellent condition throughout their lifespan.
Madam Kudjordji averred that they use tracking and telematic devices for real-time monitoring, providing critical information on driver management, fuel usage, and geofencing and established a state-of-the-art call center to track all equipment and receive complaint calls from across all 33 districts, ensuring prompt and effective responses with security to instill discipline in the operation of the vehicles with partnership with 48 Engineering Regiment.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Solomon Nartey/Akosua Asabea Kropa
