The conditions of its roads are a country’s “calling card.” Roads are the backbone of all economic life. Good maintenance shows that a state actively promotes the nation’s economy and makes efforts towards good governance.

In spite of the enormous socio-economic importance, most developing countries neglect road maintenance, thereby costing the national economy between 2 percent and 5 percent of GDP (Gross Domestic Product). These costs are the result of increased vehicle operating costs, higher accident rates, longer travel times and transport damage.

GTZ approach "Funding and management of road maintenance" enables states to organize and financially manage lasting maintenance of roads. This not only preserves the state’s assets, but also boosts other economic sectors.

In Costa Rica, the GTZ has worked with local administrations since 1990 to establish a practicable road maintenance system and has attained notable success:

• Access to health and education is now easier: villages have a daily bus service, and a doctor visits weekly.

• Journey times have been reduced by 45 percent compared to those prior to project commencement. 

• Today, coffee growing in the project region is profitable. The cultivated area is increasing by roughly 7.5 percent annually.