The District Road Improvement Program [DRIP] equipment, a government initiative aimed at enhancing road networks and promoting economic development and transformation in the district, municipal and metropolitan assemblies in the country has been outdoors at a colorful ceremony held at Kodie, the district capital of Afigya Kwabre South on Thursday, September 12, 2024.
The equipment, having undergone testing and certification by J. A. PLANT POOL [GH]LTD engineers after training handlers to maintain the technicalities involved, included Pay-Loader, Back-Hoe, Water Browser, Concrete Mixtures, Roller, and Tipper Truck.
Speaking at the launch, the District Chief Executive [DCE], Hon. Christian Adu Poku emphasized the project’s significance describing it as a game-changer in boosting the district’s economic activities and the role well-constructed roads play in the socio-economic development of every community, connecting people to vital services, education, markets, healthcare which facilitates the free flow of goods and resources.
He extolled the prudent leadership of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo and Vice-President Dr Mahamadu Bawumia for the lofty initiative of DRIP designed to provide lasting solutions to the challenges facing the road sector. Explaining further, the DCE stated our communities have struggled with poor roads hindering the easy movement of the people as well as affecting their welfare. Citing components of DRIP, the Honourable mentioned rehabilitation of existing roads in the district and areas that remain disconnected due to the absence of accessible roads. He pointed out that the Assembly would embark on the construction of new road networks and ensure its maintenance and sustainability.
The DCE further disclosed the difficult times the Assembly has undergone through the high cost of hiring equipment to undertake road projects estimating it at about Ghc6,500 for only six hours per day rendering the Common Fund invaluable. Mr. Adu-Poku was enthused about the great job opportunities DRIP would create and called on all stakeholders including the Landlord Associations and the Quarry Industries to support the Assembly to succeed in the task ahead.
According to him, Kodie, the district capital, will be the first beneficiary of the road project while other farming communities like Wawase, Aboabogya, Aduman, and Mpobi among others, will witness the vast improvement of their road networks to enable them to transport their farm produce to urban markets.
Hon. Adu-Poku deplored the tearing of some NPP Parliamentary Candidates’ posters on DRIP machines by NDC members and warned against such acts. He recalled former President Mahama’s branding of buses, RLG laptops, E-Blocks, and others insisting what is good for the goose is equally good for the gander.
Mrs. Damata Ama Appianimaa Salam, Parliamentary Candidate for the New Patriotic Party expressed her profound appreciation for the introduction of the District Road Improvement Program (DRIP) to improve the road network in Afigya Kwabre South District. She mentions that the District has expanded in terms of population but the roads have become s a major challenge for the people in the District. She added that the NPP is the only hope for the people of Ghana since it’s the only government that thinks about the civilians and implements policies that have been promised.
She concluded that whatever she can do in her capacity to make the DRIP effective in the District, she will do wholeheartedly for the people of Afigya Kwabre South District.
In his speech, the Chairman for the occasion, Nana Yaw Barimah Peprah II, Kodie Hene lauded the visionary leadership of the President and his Vice for the initiative and assured the DCE of their unflinching support at all times to make the project a success. He expressed his appreciation to the authorities for showing interest in the development of the district and Ashanti Region.
