The recognition by Roads Department that a vibrant local contractor industry is key to
sustainable efficiency in road maintenance led to the undertaking of a demonstration project for
the training and establishment of small scale local contractors in routine road maintenance
using Labour Based Methods (LBM).
Many of the over 2000 km of roads planned for National Development Plan 8 (NDP 8) are
secondary and access roads which are suitable to labour based methods. Thus if appropriately
planned and executed, the use of LBM could assist in employment creation and private sector
participation both of which are key aspirations of NDP8
The project comprised the pre-selection, training, awarding of contracts and supervision of
Citizen contractors (including on the job training) to undertake routine maintenance work using
labour based methods. At all stages of the project emphasis was placed on community and
stakeholder participation.
Results of the project have shown that substantial reductions in rural unemployment can be
achieved through an expanded LBM routine road maintenance programme. Accidents resulting
from impact with animals have been reduced, and there is increased ownership of the facilities
by the communities. A model for future enhanced public/private sector partnering is defined and
recommendations for wider application of LBM routine road maintenance are made.
The results also high light the need for advocacy and LBM mainstreaming with regard to rural
poverty reduction.