By Franklin Asare-Donkoh
The National Coordinator for the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), Mr Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, has expressed concern over the poor handling of DRIP machines by authorities of the various Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
He has, therefore, cautioned coordinating directors and road engineers at the MMDAs to implement proper maintenance plans to extend the lifespan of the machines.
Mr Vanderpuye issued the caution during a nationwide inspection tour of DRIP equipment, which included visits to the Obuasi East and West Municipal Assemblies.
According to him, the inspection is part of preparations for the smooth implementation of the 2025 programme of work.
At both assemblies, the National Coordinator—accompanied by the Deputy Director-General of NADMO, Samuel Aboagye, and Ing. Danquah, the Ashanti Regional Liaison of J.A. Plant Pool—observed that the assemblies lacked appropriate infrastructure to safeguard the machines in their care.
To prevent early wear and tear, Mr Vanderpuye urged the assemblies to urgently provide sheds for storing the equipment.
He also criticised the general lack of proper maintenance and called on newly appointed operators and district coordinators to change the poor maintenance culture.
Mr Vanderpuye further queried the coordinating directors and road engineers over why many of the machines had been left unwashed for months after use.
He directed that all such equipment be immediately sent to washing bays for proper cleaning and care.
