Assessment of Group Formation for Output-Based Routine Road Maintenance Approach in Surkhet District, Nepal

Abstract

Routine road maintenance through Road Maintenance Group (RMG) is a new concept. The core objective of this study is to assess group formation for output- based routine maintenance practices in District Road Core Network (DRCN) of Surkhet district. Six out of nine DRCN roads were selected which were under routine maintenance through District Development Committee (DDC)/ District Technical Office (DTO). Qualitative and quantitative approach was adopted. Journal, articles, research papers, books, internet were referred. Interim guidelines of Road Maintenance Group (RMG) from the DTO, Surkhet and norms for Length worker from Division Road Office (DOR) were collected and analyzed. Sampling was applied for RMG workers within five percent of true value of its proportion. Scheduled survey was done with different set of questionnaire. Personnel interview, Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and observations were done to collect primary data for the research. Descriptive analysis was done to document maintenance practice and formation of maintenance group. Even difficult task can be done through RMG. Less supervision is needed in case of output-based maintenance system. Guidelines were followed. The 60 percent female and 67.75 percent marginalized workers were found working in Surkhet district which is more than guideline requirements. Selection criteria of worker were fulfilled. RMG workers were wearing all the safety equipment provided to them whereas length workers were lacking. In output-based maintenance system, payment was done according to performance and found 16 percent workers were not happy about deduction. This was small margin compared to satisfied 84 percent. It is found to be formed based on guidelines.