ASSESSMENT OF THE BENEFITS, CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES OF UNIVERSAL RURAL ROAD ACCESS PROGRAMM: THE CASE OF HALABA SPECIAL WOREDA, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract This study was aimed at assessment of the benefit, challengs and opportunties of the work of URRAP in different kebeles: in the case of Halaba Kulito town, Halaba Special Woreda, Ethiopia. The study was aim on the specific objectives to analyze the different roles of URRAP in different areas of Halaba; to identify the challenges in the construction of URRAP roads in the study area and to evaluate the opportunities of the URRAP program in the study area.It was based on cross section data collected from 70 purposively selected households and officials from 4 far and near kebeles, from different offices, URRAP administrative in the Halaba special woreda. The information obtained was further reinforced by interview and focus group discussion and supporting secondary sources from the institutions. Providing and maintaining a minimum level of basic access of road is an essential element of any rural population and economic development strategy. Improved logistics to support trade and communication, the location of services, and the provision of cost effective transport infrastructure and services are key.Major challenges identified include lack of infrastructure finance, limited technical capacity, shortage of adequate sources of supply, topographic challenges, fairness, transparency and accountability problems limitation on following the master plan of the town, uncontrolled expansion of the town size and increased demand for infrastructure due to increased complexity of the economic and social services in the town. Rural development has become a matter of growing urgency for considerations of social justice, national integration, and economic and inclusive growth. For rural development, the provision of rural road network is a key component to enable the rural people to have access to schools, health centers and markets. Rural roads serve as an entry point for poverty alleviation since lack of access is accepted universally as a fundamental factor in continuation of poverty. Hence, objective of providing all-weather rural connectivity should be paid special attention by Central and State Governments.