The Roads4People Programme: An Initiative Building Sustainable Rural Roads for Lasting Impact

The Roads4People programme is an innovative public-private partnership between ORIS and the UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organisation), aimed at fostering sustainable and inclusive rural roads in developing countries.

The pilot project was born of a Cooperation Project Agreement signed between the UNIDO and ORIS in June 2023. 

Through this initiative, ORIS's digital impact assessment capabilities are deployed to optimise infrastructure projects in partnering countries, resulting in savings and reduced environmental impact.

These savings are channeled to support rural road connectivity through a Rural Road Fund, boosting economic growth and livelihood development. The Rural Roads Fund will be supported by UNIDO and an international donor community.

Our Approach: Digitisation and Data-Driven Decision-Making

Roads4People brings together national stakeholders, local authorities, and international partners to support sustainable development goals through state-of-the-art technology and strategic planning. ORIS approach includes:

• • Data Collection and Structuration: Developing comprehensive road data systems to monitor infrastructure conditions, enabling better maintenance planning and investment prioritisation.
  • Digitisation: Using digital tools to support local technical agencies in transforming road management processes for increased efficiency and transparency.
  • Road Project Assessment: Providing robust frameworks and analytics for assessing road projects, focusing on sustainability, climate resilience, and socio-economic impact, and optimising project for cost, materials and carbon emission.

Why Roads4People Matters

With 78% of the extreme poor located in rural areas, rural roads are crucial to address sustainable development and poverty reduction, providing access to means of subsistence (Employment,  Agricultural goods and markets,  Food security; Health and education services…). However, 68 % of the world population still does not have access to all-seasons road networks.

Improving rural road network allows communities to gain enhanced access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. Roads4People is dedicated to supporting regions where reliable infrastructure can improve access to essential services, empower marginalised populations, reduce poverty and stimulate economic growth. 

Advancing on the Sustainable Development Goals

To learn more, download the Impact Statement