THE NATIONAL Coordinator of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, has called on municipal assemblies to enhance the maintenance of road equipment to ensure the success of the programme.
During an inspection tour of DRIP machinery in the Obuasi East and West Municipal Assemblies, Mr. Vanderpuye expressed concern over the inadequate infrastructure for storing the equipment. He urged the assemblies to provide proper sheds to protect the machinery from the rains.
“It’s disheartening to see these valuable machines exposed without adequate shelter,” Mr. Vanderpuye remarked. “Proper storage is essential to prolong their lifespan and ensure they serve their intended purpose.”
He also criticized the lack of proper care for the machines, noting that many were not cleaned after use. He instructed district coordinating directors and road engineers to ensure that all unwashed machines are immediately taken to washing bays.
“Neglecting basic maintenance like cleaning/washing can lead to equipment deterioration,” he stated. “We must instill a culture of care and responsibility among operators and coordinators.”
Vanderpuye was accompanied by the Deputy Director General of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Samuel Aboagye, and Ing. Danquah, the Ashanti Regional Liaison of J.A. Plant Pool. Their presence underscored the collaborative effort required to ensure the DRIP’s success.
The DRIP, launched in July 2024, aims to improve road networks across all 275 constituencies in Ghana by equipping Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) with the necessary resources and machinery for effective road maintenance and construction.
Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye’s appointment as the National DRIP Coordinator reflects his longstanding advocacy for transparency and accountability in government-led infrastructure projects.
The inspection tour serves as a reminder of the importance of proper equipment maintenance in achieving the DRIP’s objectives and enhancing road infrastructure across the country.
Source: Nationaltymes.com
