The Minister for Roads and Highways, Mr Kwame Agbodza has commissioned a 5-member committee to investigate the activities of the axle load programme in the country.
He disclosed this on Friday during his inspection tour of major road projects in the Western Region, where he observed rapid deteriorating to the ninety-five million euros road project.
The Project Manager, Mr. Joaquim Ferreira, attributed the early deterioration to consistent overloading by heavy-duty trucks transporting manganese, bauxite and other mining products.
He emphasized that if such overloading persists, the lifespan of the road would be drastically shortened, negating the significant investment made by the government.
During a surprise visit to Apimanim axle load station, Mr Agbodza and his team discovered that 5 trucks were arrested for overloading, some by as much as 20 tonnes.
Addressing the media, the Minister stated that “there is no doubt that overloading is damaging our roads, and the axle load programme is quite problematic.”
He said that the findings will guide government efforts to reform the system and ensure better protection of the country’s road infrastructure from preventable damage.
Margaret Adjeley Sowah, ISD
