The Volta Regional Coordinating Council has received a substantial consignment of road maintenance and construction equipment for distribution to the 18 Municipal and District Assemblies across the region.
The Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa, formally handed over the equipment during a ceremony held in Ho on August 22.
The delivered equipment includes 18 vibrating rollers, 18 water tankers, 36 concrete mixers, 3 bulldozers, 18 tipper trucks, 6 sand loaders, and 18 motor graders.
This initiative is part of the District Improvement Programme (DRIP), which aims to enhance road infrastructure in the Volta Region’s various municipalities and districts.
Dr. Letsa emphasized that the programme, if properly implemented, would significantly boost socio-economic activities in the region. It would improve agricultural productivity by ensuring farm produce is efficiently transported to market centres.
He highlighted that the improved road network would prevent produce from spoiling due to inadequate transportation options.
The Minister underscored the importance of the assemblies using the equipment efficiently and effectively to achieve the programme’s objectives.
The Technical Manager of J. A Plant Pool GH. Ltd., the equipment’s manufacturer, announced plans to establish maintenance centres in all 16 regions to eliminate the need for long-distance travel to Accra for repairs.
Additionally, the company is collaborating with Technical Universities to train young people in equipment maintenance and plans to hire about 5,000 youths across the regions to operate the machinery.
Togbe Abutia Kodzo Gidi, Paramount Chief of the Abutia Traditional Area, speaking on behalf of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, urged the assemblies to adopt a strong maintenance culture to ensure the longevity of the equipment.
