Officials’ Committee formed to upgrade 60 provincial roads

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to entrust the Road Development Authority (RDA) with the rehabilitation of roads currently under other authorities but requiring urgent renovation. The RDA already holds responsibility for constructing, upgrading, maintaining, and managing the national highway system, including 4th and 5th grade roads, expressways, and related bridges. District Coordinating Committees and other institutions had requested that certain roads under provincial and local bodies be handed over to the RDA for repair. Officials said around 60 such roads belonging to Provincial Councils and local government institutions have been identified. To recommend future steps for their rehabilitation, the Cabinet endorsed the proposal presented by the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development to appoint an officials’ committee. The committee will comprise representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies; Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development; Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government; Finance Commission; a Provincial Chief Secretary; Department of Management Services; Road Development Authority; and a Provincial Road Development Authority. The move is aimed at streamlining road rehabilitation and ensuring consistent standards across the national network. (Newswire)