Government Urged to Allocate Funds for Operation of DRIP Machines

By Lawrence Kumah

The government has been urged to allocate dedicated funding for the effective operation of machines under the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), an initiative introduced during the previous administration of President Nana Akufo-Addo to improve road conditions across districts in Ghana.
The programme was designed to support district assemblies with equipment to rehabilitate and maintain roads, particularly in rural areas where road networks are often in deplorable conditions. The initiative was widely applauded by many Ghanaians, especially residents in rural communities, as it aimed to make commuting easier and safer.
However, despite the initial enthusiasm surrounding the programme, concerns have emerged over the lack of a reliable funding source to ensure its smooth and effective implementation.

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Many district assemblies have complained about the high cost of operating the DRIP machines, warning that the situation is rapidly draining their limited financial resources. Some local authorities fear that without proper funding support, the equipment may become “white elephants,” particularly in districts that lack the financial capacity to maintain and operate them.
Assembly officials have explained that the District Assemblies Common Fund is already tied to specific projects and programmes, leaving little room to finance the operation and maintenance of the DRIP equipment.
As a result, several assemblies are making a passionate appeal to the government and relevant authorities to allocate a dedicated percentage of funds from feeder roads and urban roads budgets to support the operation of the DRIP machines.
The latest to join the call is the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Tano South, Hon. Emmanuel Kwame Frimpong.
Speaking to journalists in an interview at Bechem in the Ahafo Region, Hon. Frimpong stressed the urgent need for a sustainable funding mechanism for the DRIP equipment.
According to him, a significant portion of the assemblies’ internally generated funds is currently being channelled into the operation of the machines, a situation he described as unsustainable in the long term.
He emphasized that if roads in various districts are to remain motorable throughout the year, government must establish a dedicated funding source to support the effective use and maintenance of the DRIP machines.
Meanwhile, the Tano South MCE also highlighted some development achievements recorded under his leadership in areas such as health, sanitation, education, and commerce within the municipality. https://theexclusiveonline.com/wp-admin/
He further commended the Member of Parliament for the area, Hon. Charles Asiedu, describing him as a strong pillar behind the development efforts in the municipality.
Hon. Frimpong concluded by calling on residents and stakeholders to unite and support the assembly’s efforts toward accelerated development in the area.