Needs in rural roads in Benin are identified in line with the National strategy on Rural Transport. Indicators retained for the selection of rural roads are of qualitative order for eligibility and of quantitative for priority and vary according to the Investment Program Objective. For example within the framework of Road Sector support Program (PASR) the main objective is to alleviate poverty in the rural area by removing obstacles to socioeconomic development such as: the lack of rural tracks which are practicable in the rainy season in the intervention area, by promoting local management of this road network that constitutes the rural tracks, and by identifying criteria and decision on the planning of rural roads. Rural roads should come as priority in the local development plan, emanating from the grass roots communities' thoughts and aspirations and resulting from a dialog process. The road should be linked to the classified network. A firm commitment of the community, its contribution in cash, in materials or in manpower of 10% of the work cost of which at least 50% is before the beginning of works. A firm undertaking by the beneficiary populations to ensure road maintenance. Priority considerations include: the cost of works per beneficiary; the period during which the track is not passable because of rains; and the sustainability of the rural roads network, The Government has set up an adequate mechanism for resource mobilization which in most cases consists mainly of dues on remuneration during rehabilitation works, toll contributions, the Mayor Office financial participation, donations and other grants. The funds collected are lodged in the local Government account for the Communal Road Maintenance. There is also a strong partnership between Government, local communities, NGO, Consultancy firms and Private Enterprises and which enables the construction of about 350km of rural roads in Zou Department and to establish 56 associations of rural roads users that organise and coordinate maintenance works executed by brigades trained to that effect. For the covering abstract see ITRD E139491.
Abstract