People in this world have many challenges in their lives, especially if a community where they reside in does not have a good road infrastructure. Personally I applaud the African Community Access Programme (AFCAP) for its strong desire to address this “infrastructure challenge” in the developing world. AFCAP is designed to address the challenge of providing reliable access for poor communities. Funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and managed by Crown Agents, AFCAP provides advice and undertakes research to deliver safe and sustainable access to rural communities.
Take a moment and visit the AFCAP’s web site. You’ll be really amazed by the scope of the projects:
- Ethiopia - the new Low Volume Roads Design Manual was launched at the Road Sector Development.
- Mozambique - several research sections have now been constructed in different parts of the country. They include mainly graded natural aggregate seals on natural gravel bases.
- Malawi - the study of design standards for low volume sealed roads is close to completion.
- Kenya - the training inputs for the labour-based construction of emulsion stabilized base and cold premix surfacing on a road in Central Province is likely to continue in March/April with finding from the Roads 2000 programme.
- Tanzania - the construction of the research/demonstration site near Bagomoyo is continuing, with sealing works expected to commence in May.
Quite impressive? Imagine if one can help AFCAP complete these projects by providing a reliable vehicle to facilitate the delivery of human resources and construction materials from local villages and small towns to the project sites. I think that a Basic Utility Vehicle (BUV) is a perfect “work tool” for AFCAP and Crown Agents. I do hope that AFCAP sees a huge potential in partnering with IAT in Africa.
