The Northern Regional Minister, Mr Shani Alhassan Shaibu, has expressed confidence that the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) will significantly enhance road networks throughout the country.
According to the minister, DRIP is specifically designed to equip Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) with the necessary tools and resources for road construction.
Speaking at the Northern Regional launch of the project last Friday in Tamale, Mr. Shaibu stated that the initiative is expected to create 5,000 direct jobs in the region.
He emphasised the critical role of road infrastructure in national development, noting that roads are essential to the socio-economic well-being of the population.
Mr Shaibu also described DRIP as clear evidence of President Akufo-Addo’s commitment to improving and expanding the country’s road network, particularly in remote areas where the lack of infrastructure has hindered socio-economic growth.
The launch featured the distribution of road construction equipment, with each of the 16 MMDAs in the region receiving a water tanker, backhoe, tipper truck, roller, motor grader, wheel loader and concrete mixer.
Additionally, the region received six wheel loaders, three bulldozers and three low-bed trucks, bringing the total number of equipment distributed to 131.
Mr Shaibu called on the chiefs and residents of the region to support the project, stating, “Let us collaborate to ensure that the goals of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) are achieved, so our roads will become safe and reliable, driving us toward economic growth.”
He also urged the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to ensure the regular maintenance of the equipment to extend their lifespan.
Bala Ali, ISD
