The Ethiopian Road Authority is the legally autonomous agency, which has been reestablished several times since its creation in 1951. However, its major responsibility, i.e. development and administration of roads, has never been substantially altered. Sustainability of the road sector is, however, a challenge of the sector. Efficient planning, contract administration, maintenance, and donor coordination subsumes a well-organized established Road authority. As per the current reestablishment proclamation, the main duties of ERA are the following.
• Carry out or cause the undertaking of feasibility studies, designs construction, and maintenance of highways,
• Regulate the safe use of the highways,
• Enforce vehicle weight and size control regulations,
• Take necessary measures to protect the environment during road works,
• Initiate policies and laws related to roads, determine design standard for roads, and classify and designate road network, prepare short and long term road development plans and implement the same upon approval by the government
To discharge its responsibilities ERA has been recently reorganized into three main departments which are accountable to the Director General, namely:- Engineering and Regulatory Department, which is to recharge its duties through four divisions: Planning and programming Division, Contract Implementation Division, Network Management Division and Engineering Procurement, design and Technical Service Division.
1. Operation Department: The department has responsibility for Force Account Maintenance and Construction, and associated Logistics Support including supplies and equipment;
2. Human Resources and finance Department: which is responsible for personnel Administration, Training and Finance Administration. The Director, who is appointed by the Prime Minister through recommendation of the Board, and Ministry of Works and Urban Development is the Chief Executive Officer of the authority, directs, and administrates the activities of the authority.
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