SADC road authorities face a substantial challenge to manage and finance the region’s road infrastructure efficiently and effectively. Urbanisation has become a critical issue and whilst roads agencies are not directly involved in urban road design, they can excert an influence on urban road standards which should be exercised in order to ameliorate the problems caused by increasing rates of urbanization.
Multi-modal transport issues have also assumed increased importance as alternative modes of transport have a key role to play in the development of the region’s transport systems in terms of reducing the loading /overloading of the road system and easing congestion.
Objective
The objectives of Road Network Management and Financing Committee are to:
- promote the effective and efficient management and functioning of the regional road system;
- develop appropriate urban road standards that take account of the particular characteristics of urbanization in the region and;
- ensure the integration of road transport infrastructure with other modes of transport.
Strategies
The strategies adopted to achieve these objectives are to:
- promote the use of appropriate tools that facilitate efficient and effective road network planning, management and financing;
- promote the use of appropriate design standards for urban areas;
- provide guidance on measures for undertaking optimal road network maintenance;
- ensure the integration of road transport infrastructure with other modes of transport;
- promote implementation of te SADC strategy on overload control;
- provide information on regional road network usage conditions and;
- provide support for determining appropriate levels of road user charging required for sustainable road maintenance.
Outcomes
The expected outcomes of the strategies are:
- an improved appoach to road network management and financing aimed at improving road system perfoamnce;
- adoption of more appropriate urban road standards and;
- integration with other modes of transport.