Implementing Agency:
Department For International Development (WNAD)

Managing Institute:
Ministry of Roads and Highways, Ghana

Contractor:
Ministry of Roads and Highways, Ghana

Project Code: 025-023-001 025-524-002	Start Date: 01/10/1997	End Date: 20/09/2000
Commitment: £8,488,000	Status: Current	Type of Funding: Bilateral - TC Bilateral - Financial Aid

Project Background:
Ghana's villages and rural communities are connected to the trunk road network through some 22,200 kilometres of feeder roads and bridges. In 1991 only 16% of the rural network was in good condition , with 24% fair and 60% poor. After a concerted effort supported by donors under the National Feeder Roads Rehabilitation and Maintenance Project, the situation had improved in 1995 to 23% good, 30% fair and 47% poor. Many of the rural bridges are log bridges which are now impassable to vehicles at all times. In some cases vehicles can traverse the river beds in periods of dry weather. In other cases even this is not possible. This is a particular problem in the Central and Western Regions.

Poor rural infrastructure has been identified in the 1995 Extended Poverty Study as a critical constraint to reducing poverty, and as a priority for public investment. Without bridges functioning, farmers cannot access inputs or market produce, which reduces agricultural production. This has a major impact on potential cash earnings and on food security. In terms of service many people in remote areas have no access to MoH or mission hospitals during the rainy season, and schooling is severely disrupted.

Without the project, it is unlikely that the bridges would be replaced for several years. They would deteriorate further and worsen access to markets and social services.

Project Objectives:
To improve the livelihoods and well-being of 350,000 people in target rural areas by year round access to markets and social services.

Year round use of markets and social services by women, men and children in targetted rural areas.

Intended Outputs:
65 modular steel bridges installed to agreed specification by 2000.

Capacity for supervision of installation and maintenance of bridges in DFR strengthened.

Beneficiaries aware of the opportunities provided by greater access.