A team from Togo's Ministry of Rural Roads has conducted an awareness campaign in Afagnan, educating local populations and government officials about the Relocation and Reinsertion Action Plan (PARR) for people affected by the rural road rehabilitation project. The project, supported by the German Development Bank (KFW) and the French Development Agency (AFD), aims to rehabilitate and upgrade rural roads across the country. The team visited Afagnan from November 4 to 6.
The project plans to upgrade at least 1000 km of rural roads nationwide. In the Bas-Mono prefecture, five roads will be improved, including the routes connecting Anfoin to Attitogon and Afagnan, Tokplie to Agomé-Glozou, and Afagnan to Gbleta-Kpetsou-Dzrekpo Hagou. The roads will be upgraded with works including opening, reprofiling, systematic gravel loading, construction of crossing structures, and routine maintenance.
The awareness campaign informed local populations about the project's objectives, principles, and implementation of the PARR for affected individuals. The team collected concerns, suggestions, and grievances from the population. Discussions focused on the census of properties within the road alignment, consideration of affected individuals, and a voluntary donation system for minor assets impacted by the project.
Environmental protection, accident risks, gender-based violence, negative impacts, and pollution were also discussed during the awareness campaign. The team emphasized the importance of adopting proper behaviors during the works. Akakpo Kokouda, team leader and social consultant for the project, invited local populations to fully engage in the project's success.
According to Akakpo Kokouda, the project aims to connect isolated areas, facilitate the flow of agricultural products, and improve access to basic social services. In urban areas, the roads will be 8 meters wide, while in rural areas, they will be 12 meters wide. The project will have a positive impact on the local population.
The Togolese government is implementing the rural road rehabilitation project with technical and financial support from KFW and AFD. The project will improve the living conditions of local populations and contribute to the country's economic development. The awareness campaign in Afagnan is part of a larger effort to engage local communities in the project's implementation.
The successful implementation of the project relies on the active participation of local populations. The government team will continue to engage with local communities to ensure that their concerns are addressed and that the project meets its objectives. The rural road rehabilitation project is a significant initiative that will have a lasting impact on Togo's rural areas.
Key points
- The project aims to upgrade at least 1000 km of rural roads nationwide.
