To enhance urban road networks: Public works ministry allocates 37 billion FCFA to councils for road maintenance.

It is contained in an official statement published on the ministry’s social media handle recently.

In the statement, the minister disclosed that the funds are sourced from the ministry’s Public Investment Budget, PIB, to the tune of 17 billion FCFA, with the Road Fund contributing 19 billion FCFA, and delegated credits providing 1 billion FCFA, making a total 37 billion FCFA.

According to the minister, this significant investment has as aim objective to address the nation’s extensive road network of 21,349.81 km, of which 19,200.16 km still constitute earth roads.

The government official revealed that from 2018 to 2024, the Centre Region received the largest allocation, totalling 38 billion FCFA. 

According to the minister’s statement, in the Adamawa Region, councils were allocated more than 10 billion FCFA for road maintenance projects over the same period. 

This funding included 5 billion FCFA from the ministry’s PIB, 5 billion FCFA from the Road Fund, and 221 million FCFA from delegated funds.

In the same light, it was disclosed that the councils in the North Region received a total of 10 billion FCFA, with 4 billion FCFA from the PIB and 5 billion FCFA from the Road Fund. 

The PIB allocations facilitated various road maintenance projects annually, culminating in 1 billion FCFA in the final year of 2024.

Furthermore, Minister Ngannou highlighted that the councils in the South West Region were allocated 15 billion FCFA. 

This allocation included 8 billion FCFA from the PIB, 6 billion FCFA from the Road Fund, and 120 million FCFA from delegated credits for emergency works.

Similarly, the West Region received more than 25 billion FCFA, with 10 billion FCFA from the PIB, 15 billion FCFA from the Road Fund, and 184 million FCFA from delegated credits.

In the North West Region, councils received 14 billion FCFA for road maintenance between 2018 and 2024. The funding distribution included 7 billion FCFA from the ministry’s PIB, 6 billion FCFA from the Road Fund, and 131 million FCFA from delegated credits for emergency interventions.

The minister further disclosed that for 2024, an additional 2 billion FCFA will be allocated to further support road maintenance projects in the North West Region.

According to experts, these substantial funds allocated by the Ministry of Public Works highlight the government's commitment to decentralising road maintenance responsibilities and improving on road infrastructure across various regions.

These investments are expected to significantly enhance the quality and accessibility of road networks, fostering economic development and improving the quality of life for residents, by facilitating the movement of goods and services.

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue N0:3178 of Wednesday July 24, 2024