Introduction Road management is a critical issue due to the continent's rapid urbanization, diverse geographical conditions, and varying levels of infrastructure development. The challenge of maintaining and expanding road networks across Africa is compounded by economic constraints, political instability, and climate change impacts (Adebayo & Olowu, 2019). Effective road management is essential for facilitating economic growth, food security and agricultural transformation, improving access to services, and enhancing regional integration. One of the primary challenges in road management across Africa is the inadequate funding for road infrastructure. Many African countries allocate a small portion of their budgets to road maintenance and development, which often results in deteriorating road conditions and incomplete projects (Nautiyal & Sharma, 2021). For example, in countries like Nigeria and Kenya, budgetary constraints frequently lead to delayed maintenance and insufficient investment in new road projects (Chikulo, 2023). This financial limitation affects the quality of roads and impedes the ability to support growing populations and economies. Materials and methods The focus of this study is to Leverage GIS and RIS Technologies for Sustainable Road Infrastructure Management. Geospatial tools were adopted which included data acquisition through ground survey method and downloading the Google earth imagery (2022), used in GIS environs for the creation of database. The spatial data of the existing major and minor roads network within the study area and social survey (interview) conducted were sorted and manipulated. Thereafter ground trothed, the ArcGIS 10.6.1 was used for data processing, data visualisation, and database creation analysis. The data acquired are shown in Table1. Result and Discussion It is seen from figure 4 that approximately 48% of the drainage systems support free flow of water, indicating relatively efficient drainage in nearly half of the surveyed areas. However, 22% of the drainage channels are blocked, posing a risk of water accumulation and potential damage to adjacent roads. More concerning is the absence of drainage infrastructure in 30% of the areas, highlighting a critical gap that could exacerbate flooding and road deterioration. Conclusion In conclusion, while a substantial portion of the road network in Ilaro Township remains in good condition, this study underscores the pressing need for a proactive and data-driven approach to road maintenance through the implementation of a comprehensive Road Information System (RIS). The integration of GIS tools has proven instrumental in identifying and prioritizing roads requiring urgent attention—particularly those with poor pavement and inadequate or blocked drainage systems, which are more susceptible to rapid deterioration, especially during the rainy season. The established GIS-based database offers a centralized platform for monitoring road conditions, guiding efficient resource allocation, and supporting timely interventions. This strategic framework not only enhances the durability and functionality of the township’s roads but also contributes to long-term infrastructure sustainability, advanced food security, agricultural sustainability, improved mobility, and economic growth. Therefore, the adoption and continuous updating of a Road Information System is essential for ensuring resilient and well-maintained road infrastructure in Ilaro Township.
Alausa O.A., Adaradohun O.S.