The Upper East Regional Minister, Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih, has announced that the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) will create more than 400 job opportunities, particularly targeting the youth in the region.

Speaking to journalists during the reception and inspection of DRIP equipment in Bolgatanga, Dr. Bin Salih highlighted the significance of this initiative. During the inspection in the Bolgatanga Municipality, he praised the government’s efforts in addressing the region’s infrastructure needs, especially in road development.

Dr. Bin Salih noted the poor condition of roads in the Upper East Region and expressed hope that the new equipment would significantly aid local assemblies in their efforts to enhance the road network. This, he said, would help open up communities and towns, particularly benefiting local farmers.

“I expect the various assemblies in the Upper East Region to utilize this equipment effectively. One of our major challenges is the state of our roads. With these resources, we anticipate significant improvements,” he stated.

Dr. Bin Salih also emphasized that the operation of the equipment would not only improve roads but also create job opportunities for the youth in the region.

“In addition to improving our roads, this initiative will create employment avenues. Each assembly is expected to hire 30 operators, meaning that the procurement of this equipment will result in 450 job openings across the 15 Municipal and District Assemblies in the Upper East Region.”

The region has received 117 pieces of equipment under the DRIP initiative, including tipper trucks, motor graders, rollers, backhoes, graders, and wheel loaders, all aimed at boosting road construction and infrastructure development in the Upper East Region.