Title: Road deterioration in developing countries : causes and remedies
Abstract: Between the 1960s and the 1980s, developing countries have lost precious infrastructure worth billions of dollars through the deterioration of their roads. Large road networks, built at great expense, have been undermaintained and more heavily used and abused than expected. The cost of restoring these deteriorated roads is three to five times greater than the bill would have been for timely and effective maintenance, and restoration is only part of the cost. Vehicle operating costs rapidly outpace the costs of road repair as the condition of roads passes from good to fair to poor. Together, these avoidable costs are going to form a formidable obstacle to further economic development. This study attempts to estimate the physical and financial magnitude of the deterioration and to identify remedial measures appropriate to the circumstances of different countries. It also tries to determine the principal causes of road deterioration and the reasons the problem has become so widespread. The study describes some of the options and presents an institutional framework for implementing road maintenance strategies in developing countries. It provides an estimate of the resources needed to remedy the situation and suggests ways to use these resources efficiently. The recommendations are addressed to the developing countries, the lending and donor agencies, and the development community at large, including the World Bank.
Publication Year: 1988
Publication Date: 1988-10-31
Language: en
Type: book
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Cited By Count: 94
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