Former Public Works Minister Samuel Kofi Woods is recommending the setting up of a Road Authority for a sustainable solution to the challenge of road building and

maintenance in the country.

He said it was becoming increasingly clear that the most effective model for a sustainable road solution would be achieved under a Road Authority and a road fund structure, consisting of funding sources like roads user fees, gas taxes, toll and weigh bridges, among others.

Addressing a news conference in Monrovia Wednesday, the former Public Works Minister observed that delays in timely and adequate level of investment and intervention will only further erode assets and cost more to rehabilitate or maintain roads.

In another Development, the former Public Works Minister has said that the challenge facing the country’s transport sector is not political and must be addressed with sincerity and a clear vision.

He noted that Liberians must deal with rehabilitation and maintenance of their infrastructure as a national responsibility.

He said since 2009, until his resignation in May 2013, the Public Works Ministry embarked on a vigorous reform program intended to salvage the national infrastructure.

Woods said that the ministry’s work has contributed to reduced transport costs in many parts of the country, reduced travel time and increased capacity for agriculture and industrial production.

He said it has also reduced maintenance costs, increased mobility of people, access to markets, improved employment and livelihoods, road and passenger safety, cross-border links for enhanced regional trade and commerce.

Woods also noted that the institutional capacity of the Ministry of Public Works was also improved.

LINA RD/TSS/PTK