The African Roads Maintenance Funds Association (ARMFA) Southern Africa Focal Group, known as ASAFG, is currently convening its third meeting of the year, hosted by the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) in the picturesque town of Victoria Falls. This gathering brings together key stakeholders from the road maintenance sector across the Southern African region to discuss critical issues and strategies for enhancing road infrastructure.
Leading the delegation from Lesotho is Road Fund CEO Mrs. ‘Matšepang Sekhokoane, marking her inaugural meeting as Chairperson of ASAFG. Mrs. Sekhokoane assumed this leadership role from her predecessor, and her presence underscores the importance of collaboration in the region’s road maintenance efforts.
During the official opening of the meeting, Mrs. Sekhokoane commended the chosen theme: “The Relationships of Road Funds and Road Agencies in the Maintenance of Roads in Southern Africa.” She emphasized the significance of fostering strong partnerships between road funds and agencies to ensure effective management and maintenance of road networks.
In her address, Mrs. Sekhokoane highlighted the challenges faced by many countries in maintaining their road infrastructure, including funding constraints, resource allocation, and the impact of climate change. She called for innovative solutions and collaborative approaches to address these challenges and improve the quality of road networks across Southern Africa.
The ASAFG meeting serves as a platform for sharing best practices, discussing emerging trends, and identifying areas for improvement in road maintenance strategies. With representatives from various Southern African countries in attendance, the gathering aims to strengthen regional cooperation and enhance the collective capacity to maintain and develop vital road infrastructure.
As the meeting progresses, participants will engage in workshops and discussions to explore various aspects of road maintenance, including financing mechanisms, technological advancements, and the role of public-private partnerships. The outcomes of this meeting are expected to contribute significantly to the ongoing efforts to improve road safety and accessibility in the region.
