National Coordinator of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, has issued a strong warning to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, insisting that equipment under the programme must be used strictly for public road works and not diverted for private gain.
He stressed that the machinery procured under DRIP was intended solely to improve road infrastructure across districts and must not be misapplied for commercial or personal projects.
“The DRIP equipment is meant for the development of our districts and must not be diverted for private commercial purposes,” he stated.
Vanderpuye made the remarks during a stakeholder engagement in Ho in the Volta Region, where Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs), Coordinating Directors, and DRIP coordinators met to review implementation challenges and strengthen coordination.
The meeting focused on accountability, proper management of equipment, and ensuring that the programme delivers on its core objective of improving road networks and supporting local development.
He urged officials to treat the initiative with seriousness, noting that DRIP remains a key government intervention designed to enhance accessibility and stimulate economic activity in communities.
According to him, proper coordination among stakeholders is essential to ensure the success and sustainability of the programme, especially in maintaining and upgrading rural and urban roads.
Vanderpuye also advised assemblies to prioritise regular servicing and maintenance of the machines to extend their lifespan and improve operational efficiency.
The engagement featured an interactive session where participants raised concerns and sought clarification on operational issues affecting implementation.
Volta Regional Minister James Gunu reinforced the call for transparency and collaboration, stressing that effective cooperation among all stakeholders is critical to maximising DRIP’s impact.
He further urged assemblies to safeguard the equipment and ensure its responsible use for the benefit of communities across the region.
