Road management and decision support system (RMDS) as a tool for road assets management in Cambodia

Cambodia's road network, like any other physical infrastructure in the country, has been neglected until recently. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport has been working not only constructing new road sections but also making all efforts to maintain the existing road network in an efficient, safe and passable state. Currently a significant portion of the road network is only passable by motorcycle due to broken bridges, constricted road widths etc. To plan any development (new construction) or maintenance work it is imperative to know the existing physical and condition characteristics. The road maintenance stakeholders have largely been working with information that is mostly outdated and not reflective of the current network status. It was therefore agreed that a road data bank be established that would not only enhance with planning future development projects but would also assist in road maintenance planning (budget requirements). A road management and decision support system (RMDS) through the location referencing and condition survey (LRCS) contract was developed in 2004 by financial support from the World Bank. The RMDS is to become instrumental in providing current inventory and condition characteristics to the Road Assets Management Office and other stakeholders and assist in determining road maintenance budgets.