It is very important for governments to support initiatives of the Road Funds in the Southern Region, as good road infrastructure is an important asset that can boost the economic status of the Region.

This was said by the Vice Minister of Public Works, Housing and Water Resources of Mozambique Hon. Cecilia Chamutota when officiating the ARMFA Southern Africa Focal Group (ASAFG) Meeting held in Maputo Mozambique recently.

She said effectively managed roads facilitate easy access of countries within the region for collaborations, ferrying of passengers and goods for business and leisure, and thereby enhancing relations and economies of these countries.

She indicated that Road Funds are entrusted to provide solutions in financing and maintenance of roads and to align themselves with new developments in the sector, further urging members to come up with innovative solutions to deal with any challenges that the sector may face.

In his speech the Chairperson of ASAFG and Road Fund CEO in Mozambique Prof. Angelo Macuacua indicated that the ASAFG Meeting was a sign of commitment by the member countries to jointly ensure that Road Funds perform their mandates to the best of their abilities.

He said the theme of the meeting, which is, “New initiatives for financing road infrastructures construction and maintenance” will enable countries to share their plans to sustain funding of roads especially amidst current challenges such as that of COVID 19 and emergence of electric cars which have potential to affect revenue collection streams like the road maintenance levy.

The Road Fund Lesotho team, led by the Chief Executive Officer Mr. Nkekeletse Makara, participated at this regional meeting.  It was hosted by the Road Fund in Mozambique; other countries that participated include Angola, Namibia, Madagascar and Zambia.