Story by Tichaona Kurewa
THE African Roads Maintenance Funds Association, Southern Africa Focal Group (ASAFG) conference commenced in Victoria Falls this Monday, and calls were made to synchronise road infrastructure development in the region.
Through the 1996 SADC Protocol on Transport, Communication and Meteorology, member states pledged to assist in developing an adequate road network that supports the socio-economic growth underway of the region.
It is against this background that the road funders were this Monday reminded to combine efforts to improve infrastructure in the region.
The call was made during the official opening of the African Roads Maintenance Funds Association (ARMFA), (ASAFG) conference in Victoria Falls where six out of eight member states are in attendance.
“The sheer volume of work required, combined with rapid urbanisation and increased vehicle traffic, has placed immense pressure on road infrastructure. In some cases, the available funds are insufficient to cover routine maintenance and large-scale road rehabilitation projects, leading to a backlog of critical works.
“In light of this, there is an urgent need for increased regional cooperation among our road funds. By sharing resources, knowledge, and best practices, we can strengthen our capacity to maintain our road networks more effectively. We must explore the possibility of pooling funds for large, cross-border projects or jointly financing road rehabilitation programs that serve the entire Southern African region,” said the Secretary for Transport and Infrastructural Development, Engineer Pedzisayi Joy Makumbe
ASAFG’s chairperson, Mrs Matsepang Sekhokoane noted, “I recognise the importance of our collaboration as an association, especially us in Southern Africa Group. By coming together, we can leverage our resources expertise and experiences to address unique challenges we face in our respective challenges.”
Capacitation of road funds personnel was also identified as key.
“Training and up-skilling technical staff, adopting new road maintenance technologies, and improving project management systems will go a long way in enhancing the efficiency of road maintenance. Road authorities must also adopt data-driven approaches to road asset management, using technology to monitor the condition of road networks and prioritise maintenance interventions,” said Engineer Makumbe.
Among other objectives, the meeting is a platform and a network for experience and information sharing on best road maintenance practices in Africa.
