Recognizing the importance of the road infrastructure in supporting social and economic development and in meeting poverty reduction objectives, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia has placed increased emphasis on improving the quality and quantity of the road infrastructure. To address the constraints in the road sector related to restricted road network coverage and low standards, the Government formulated a ten year Road Sector Development Program (RSDP, 1997-2007). The first five year of the program (RSDP I), 1997-2002, was officially launched in September 1997, and since then, both Government and donor-funded projects had been under implementation.

   During the RSDP I a total of 8,636 km of roads were constructed and rehabilitated of which 2,636 km were federal roads and 6,000 km were newly constructed regional roads. RSDP II in its part envisages the rehabilitation of 1,014 km, the upgrading of 1,864 km and the construction of 5,693 km roads comprising mostly low class roads under the sub-program of ERTTP. The program also includes the implementation of comprehensive policy and institutional reform, heavy and routine maintenance on every type of roads, bridge works and studies for follow on operations. Forword >>