By Forum staff writer
The Directorate of Science Technology and Innovation DSTI has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Sierra Leone Roads Authority SLRA to introduce a comprehensive Road Asset Management System aimed at transforming how the country’s road infrastructure is managed.
The agreement marks a major step in the digital transformation of the transport sector and is expected to improve the documentation monitoring and maintenance of road infrastructure nationwide. Officials say the initiative will shift road management from largely manual and reactive methods to a modern data driven approach.
Under the partnership the Road Asset Management System will serve as a central digital platform for managing key road assets including roads bridges culverts and related infrastructure across Sierra Leone. The system is designed to strengthen transparency efficiency and long term planning in the maintenance of the national road network.
A major feature of the system is an integrated mobile field application that will allow engineers and technical staff to collect real time data directly from the field. Using GPS location services photographs and standardized data tools field officers will be able to accurately capture the location condition and status of road assets.
Each asset will be digitally mapped with precise geographic coordinates supported by photographic evidence and condition assessments. This will create a reliable and verifiable national inventory of road infrastructure that can be accessed for planning monitoring and reporting purposes.
According to officials the new system will enable the Roads Authority to move away from emergency driven repairs toward predictive and preventive maintenance. By tracking the condition of assets over time engineers can identify early signs of deterioration and schedule timely interventions before small defects develop into major failures.
This proactive approach is expected to enhance road safety reduce the high costs associated with emergency repairs and ensure more efficient use of public funds allocated to road maintenance and rehabilitation.
For the Sierra Leone Roads Authority the Road Asset Management System provides a structured and dedicated tool to manage its growing inventory of road infrastructure. All asset data inspection reports and condition records will be stored in a single platform improving coordination operational planning and evidence based decision making.
DSTI’s role in the partnership reflects its mandate to support public sector institutions through innovative digital solutions that improve service delivery and operational efficiency. By leveraging technology the directorate aims to strengthen infrastructure governance and promote sustainable development outcomes.
Officials from both institutions noted that the initiative aligns with broader government efforts to modernise public infrastructure management enhance accountability and deliver long term value to citizens.
The implementation of the Road Asset Management System is expected to lay the foundation for safer roads improved investment planning and sustainable maintenance of Sierra Leone’s transport network contributing to economic growth and better mobility across the country.
