Abstract:
This research explores the Assessment of Road Asset Management Practices and Challenges
within the Ethiopian Roads Administration (ERA). Roads are pivotal to Ethiopia's socio
economic growth, connecting remote areas and enabling the movement of goods and people.
Despite significant improvements in road density and network expansion since the inception of
the Road Sector Development Program (RSDP) in 1997, challenges persist in asset management
practice, maintenance, and sustainability.
The study utilized both qualitative and quantitative approaches, incorporating questionnaire
surveys, interviews, and desk reviews, aimed at professionals engaged in road asset management
of ERA. The study findings reveals that, ERA's approach to road asset management practices
integrates methods and approaches such as own-force Road maintenance contractor, private
contractor engagements, axle load control systems, and periodic traffic surveys. These methods
and approaches collectively aim to ensure the sustainability and efficiency in Road asset
management practices of ERA for the road network. Although some modern technological tools
such as automated data collection systems for Road condition assessment and axle load control
have been introduced in ERA’s Road asset management practices, their integration remains
limited. The study findngs also highlighted that significant challenges including financial
constraints, gaps in technological adoption in Road asset management, limited technical and
resource capacity of ownforce road maintenance contractor, and inadequate stakeholder
engagement, Road asset management components challenges and weak regulatory enforcement
(absence of Road policy), which collectively undermine the effectiveness of ERA’s Road asset
management practices.
Finally it’s recommended that ERA shall works on adoption of centralized data management
systems, enhanced use of automated technologies in road asset management practice, enhanced
funding mechanisms and structured capacity-building initiatives for ownforce road maintenance
contractor and professional works on road asset management. Improving these areas will enable
ERA to optimize resource allocation, sustain road assets, and contribute significantly to
country's economic progress.
