The project manager at the Marion Vern Commission UEMOA, Vinagbon Ayinon presented the major challenges of the road infrastructure sector and put forward three proposals to modernise the road network and facilitate traffic. It was during a program by the UEMOA Commission

Road infrastructures are now in a worrying state, directly affecting the fluidity of trade and the competitiveness of Member States. Indeed, Marion Vern Vinagbon Ayinon, points out that truck overloading is one of the major problems. According to the latter, carriers are accelerating the deterioration of roads and increasing their operating costs.

Likewise, the multiplication of traffic control points slows down exchanges. For the project manager of the UEMOA Commission, road maintenance is another major challenge. Thus, three solutions have been proposed to optimize the use of the road network and strengthen regional integration. This is meeting load standards, maintaining road maintenance efforts, and transferring freight to rail

The first requirement is the authorized aux transporteurs de respecter load limits. By overloading their vehicles, they not only contribute to the accelerated deterioration of roads, but also expose themselves to risks of accidents and maintenance costs up to three times higher. The second will allow Member States to continue their road infrastructure rehabilitation programmes, despite budgetary constraints. A neglected road represents a gradual loss of investment and a brake on intra-regional mobility. In the latest proposal for a solution, Marion Vern Vinagbon Ayinon recommends a partial transfer of freight transport to rail to preserve road infrastructure. According to him, the road should serve as a relay and not as the main support for heavy loads. Railway development would not only relieve the roads, but also optimize the distribution of goods via railway stations.

L'application rigoureuse des normes, la continuité des efforts d' entretien et le développement du transport ferroviaire pourraient permettre à l' UEMOA to cross a a new step towards a more efficient and sustainable transport system.