ASSESSMENT of ROAD ASSET MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND ITS CHALLENGES: A CASE of ETHIOPIAN ROADS ADMINISTRATION

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.