The government of Benin is set to embark on a significant program to rehabilitate and develop rural roads in several departments. Through the Regional Agricultural Market Integration Program (Prima-Bénin), 118.677 kilometers of roads have been targeted for rehabilitation at a projected cost of 4.7 billion CFA francs. The program, supported financially by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (Fida), aims to improve access to agricultural areas and enhance the circulation of people and goods.
The rehabilitation and development of rural roads are part of Prima-Bénin's components, which seek to strengthen the accessibility of production basins and facilitate commercial exchanges. The program's implementation will be overseen by the Road Infrastructure and Territorial Planning Company (Sirat Sa). The project targets strategic rural areas, including those in the South-West, Centre, and North-West regions of the country. Specifically, the departments of Couffo, Zou, Collines, and Donga will benefit from the program.
In the South-West region, 32.16 kilometers of roads will be rehabilitated or developed. The Hélétoumey-Laougan road in Aplahoué will be upgraded over a distance of 11.9 kilometers. Additionally, the Tokpota Hinou-Agbédranfo Centre road in Dogbo and several sections in Klouékanmey will be targeted. The communes of Covè in the Zou department will also benefit from interventions on the Tohougodohoué-Dékandji and Azéhounholi-Nouveau Domaine roads.
The Centre and North-West regions, specifically the Collines and Donga departments, will have approximately 58.93 kilometers of roads rehabilitated or developed. The communes of Djidja, Dassa-Zoumè, Savalou, Djougou, and Ouaké will benefit from the program. Several agricultural roads will be upgraded to improve rural access and facilitate the evacuation of produce.
The Alibori department will also benefit from the program, with 27.59 kilometers of roads targeted for rehabilitation or development in Malanville. The project includes the upgrade of several roads, including the Tounga Léida Wanda Garou and Kotchi-Sikantéré/Galiel-Kotchi roads. The program aims to reduce transportation difficulties, bring producers closer to markets, and support cross-border trade.
The rehabilitation of rural roads is expected to have a positive economic impact on local communities. By improving access to agricultural areas, Prima-Bénin is anticipated to boost economic activities and enhance mobility in rural areas. The modernization of these roads is seen as a potential driver of growth and development in these regions.
The Prima-Bénin program aims to strengthen Benin's agricultural sector by improving access to markets and reducing transportation costs. The project is part of a broader effort to enhance regional integration and promote economic development in West Africa. With the support of international partners like Fida, the program is expected to have a lasting impact on Benin's rural communities.
Key points
- The program targets 118.677 kilometers of rural roads for rehabilitation and development.
- The project aims to improve access to agricultural areas and enhance commercial exchanges.
- The program is expected to have a positive economic impact on local communities.
