The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has revealed that the government will receive a set of road equipment this June, 2024 for distribution to all the districts in the country. Upon arrival, each of the 261 Metropolitan, Municipal and District assemblies would have its own set of road construction equipment, including graders and tipper trucks.
According to Dr. Bawumia, the equipment is to aid road works in the various assemblies to ensure that all roads are motorable across every district.
The flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Bawumia, announced this on Monday, June 3, 2024 during a meeting with the Central Regional House of Chiefs as part of his nationwide campaign tours.
Dr. Bawumia indicated that the government would task the 48 Engineers Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces to work with the Metropolitan, Municipal and District assemblies, with regards to the road construction. Further, the government would provide the funds for fuel, sand and stones to aid in the construction of the roads in the various districts.
The Chronicle commends the government for this initiative for its potential to improve transportation and connectivity, but also for its significant environmental and public health benefits. The prevalence of unpaved roads has long been a source of air pollution in Ghana, with dust from these roads contributing to a myriad of respiratory infections among residents.
Air pollution in Ghana is exacting a heavy toll on both public health and the economy, yet it remains a largely overlooked issue. Every year, nearly 24,000 Ghanaians meet premature deaths due to the adverse effects of air pollution, with childhood exposure to polluted air linked.
Furthermore, economically, Ghana loses an estimated 1.6 billion U.S. dollars annually due to air pollution, a problem that desperately needs political attention and action in the upcoming 2024 elections.
The Chronicle believes that equipping each district with the necessary tools to construct and maintain roads is a step in addressing this critical health hazard. Properly paved roads will drastically reduce the amount of dust particles in the air, thereby mitigating one of the major causes of respiratory illnesses.
The involvement of the 48 Engineers Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces in working with the districts underscores the seriousness of this endeavor, ensuring that the execution of these projects will be both efficient and effective.
Furthermore, the provision of funds for fuel, sand and stones to aid in road construction demonstrates a comprehensive approach to tackling the problem. This holistic strategy not only ensures the availability of equipment but also guarantees that the necessary resources are in place for the sustained maintenance and construction of roads.
It is imperative to acknowledge the broader implications of this project. Improved road infrastructure will enhance economic activities, facilitating smoother transportation of goods and services, which is vital for the growth of local economies.
In rural and urban areas alike, the enhancement of road networks will contribute to a better quality of life, reducing travel times and improving access to essential services such as healthcare and education.
The Chronicle looks forward to seeing the positive changes it will bring to communities across the country and hopes it is just not a mere talk but will indeed be done.
