ROAD MAINTENANCE IN EIGHTIES - SOME POINTERS

The paper discusses the economic importance of a cost-effective highway maintenance organisation. Deficiencies in maintenance result in lower serviceability levels with corresponding higher fuel consumption and vehicle operating costs. It is emphasised that the prioritization of maintenance activities must be arrived at on the basis of structural and functional aspects. Financial allocations for road maintenance should be according to needs and for a period to allow proper planning for efficient utilization. Such maintenance operations have potential for employment generation and so the development of maintenance activities can also result in additional employment and training opportunities. In the context of emerging maintenance tasks, there is also a need to review organisational aspects including mobility, regular inspections and training of field staff. The paper suggests that work studies should be undertaken covering various maintenance operations to ensure their cost-effectiveness. (TRRL)