Ministry Of Roads App For Citizens To Report Road Defects Is Good But…

The Ministry of Roads and Highways has launched an app and a call centre where citizens can report on road defects in their respective communities for prompt attention, according to a report by graphiconline.com. The initiative, dubbed “Maintain My Road,” is expected to streamline the process of reporting and addressing road maintenance issues, ensure quicker responses and more efficient repairs.

The Maintain My Road app is available on both Android and iOS devices, and would allow users to upload pictures and descriptions of road defects, and tag the exact location using GPS to track the status of the reports.

The call centre, which would also operate from 9a.m. to 5p.m. from Mondays to Fridays, would provide an alternative direct line for those without access to smart phones to report road defects, hazards and other related issues.

The initiative, which would be piloted for the next five months, will focus on main trunk roads and urban centres, such as Accra-Tema, Kumasi, Takoradi and Tamale. It will be staffed by multi-lingual persons fluent in English, Twi, Ga and Ewe, and equipped with a geolocation-enabled dashboard to accurately pinpoint reported issues.

The innovative system would be the bedrock of the ministry’s Enhanced Roads Maintenance Programme that leverages technology to transform the country’s road infrastructure. The initiative is being backed by an allocation of 60 per cent of the Road Fund maintenance budget.  It involves critical maintenance activities such as pothole patching on major trunk roads and urban centres, repair of traffic signals and spot improvements on feeder roads.

First of all, The Chronicle would like to commend the excellent plan to revolutionise the maintenance of our road infrastructure with the launch of the “Maintain My Road” initiative. There are bad roads across every part of the country which causes accidents day in and day out. We believe that this project will help address some, if not all, the issues of bad road in the country.

The benefits of this initiative cannot be emphasised enough. It extends beyond the immediate improvement of road conditions. Enhanced road infrastructure directly contributes to road safety, reducing the incidence of accidents caused by road defects. This, in turn, lowers the burden on our healthcare system and minimizes the economic losses associated with road accidents.

Bad roads are not confined to our urban centres; they are a nationwide issue that affects the daily lives of Ghanaians in every corner of the country. From the rural farmer transporting produce to market, to the student commuting to school, poor road conditions create barriers to economic growth, education and overall well-being. Therefore, it is our hope that, while the pilot phase is a necessary starting point, a comprehensive plan for extending the initiative’s reach to all parts of the country will be developed and implemented.

Also, as an alternative for those without access to smart phones would be provided later, we think the earlier this is done the better. We urge that while this is a good project, the rural communities should also be prioritised to ensure effective and efficiency of the initiative.

However, the story also indicated that this initiative is supported by an allocation of 60 per cent of the Road Fund maintenance budget. This substantial investment underscores the government’s commitment to improving our road infrastructure. The focus on critical maintenance activities such as pothole patching on major trunk roads, repair of traffic signals, and spot improvements on feeder roads is a strategic move to address the most common and disruptive road defects.

For this initiative to be truly transformative, the Ministry must ensure that resources are allocated efficiently and transparently. There should also be regular updates on the status of repairs, the efficient use of the allocated budget and accountability measures are essential to foster public trust and encourage active citizen participation.

Also, we suggest that the general public must be encouraged to actively use the app and call centre to report road defects. The Ministry, in turn, must ensure that reported issues are addressed promptly and transparently. Regular communication with the public regarding the progress and challenges of the initiative will foster trust and encourage continued engagement.

This initiative has the potential to significantly improve road conditions, enhance safety and boost economic activities, ultimately contributing to a better quality of life for all Ghanaians. It is now up to all of us—citizens and government alike—to support and sustain this forward-thinking initiative.

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