National DRIP Coordinator Impounds Assembly Equipment in Obuasi
The National Coordinator of the Department of Rural Infrastructure Projects (DRIP), Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, has impounded a backhoe machine belonging to the Obuasi West Municipal Assembly for unauthorized use.
The machine was intercepted along the Obuasi-Kumasi highway with a broken hydraulic valve.
According to the Coordinator, the equipment was being operated without proper clearance from the appropriate authorities.
Upon questioning, the operator claimed he had been assigned the task by an engineer from the municipal assembly.
Unsatisfied with the explanation, Mr. Vanderpuye called in the Obuasi Police to arrest the operator and take the machine into custody for further investigation.
He emphasized that no DRIP-related machinery should be used without the express approval of the District Roads Management Team and the District DRIP Coordinator.
He warned that any officer who authorizes the use of such machines without due process would be surcharged for any resulting damage or maintenance costs.
“These machines are expensive national assets. They are not for private or unauthorized use,” he said. “Assemblies must ensure that only properly trained personnel handle this equipment.”
Mr. Vanderpuye urged the public to take an active interest in how such equipment is utilized, stressing the importance of accountability in the management of public resources.
He assured that training for machine operators would soon commence in all regional capitals, and assemblies were advised to wait for this process before assigning the machines.
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