The Network Management Wing was established in 1998 following the re-organisation of the former Planning & Development Wing. Some new circles were created with new roles to reflect the current functions of the wing and the growing emphasis in maintenance. The processes and procedures are developed from those under the former wing structure. Under the reorganisation proposal of 2003 it was decided that the name of the wing should be changed to Planning & Maintenance Wing to better reflect the functions of the Wing.

The objective of the Planning and Maintenance Wing is to contribute to the overall strategy of RHD by providing a high level of service, in the effective planning and management of a programme of works on the RHD road network. This involves close liaison with the MoC, the Planning Commission and RHD field divisions to ensure that the work is managed from conception to physical completion whilst ensuring the optimum utilisation of funds.

The main outputs of the Wing and its circles are:

a) To maintain an up to date accurate and reliable inventory, including the physical attributes, of the Department’s roads and bridges.
b) To contribute to the RHD policies and long-term development plans by using available road and bridge data including traffic, economic and social parameters.
c) To present prioritised listings and short-term and long-term programmes for road maintenance and development projects designed to optimise the use of development and maintenance funds.
d) To provide assistance with the development of annual budgets for the maintenance of roads.
e) To submit Development Project Proposal (DPP), PP and Technical assistance Project proposal (TPP) documents for consideration by the MoC and the Planning Commission.
f) To provide advice and assistance to the Department in all procurement issues.
g) To provide effective and timely responses to emergency situations (floods, cyclones, earth-slips etc.).
h) To provide an interface with other wings, circles and field zones as appropriate in the development of plans incorporating road safety, environmental and social issues.

The Planning and Maintenance Wing consists of six Circles each headed by an officer of Superintending Engineer Level. The total proposed staffing for the Wing is 344 persons comprising 79 Class I officers, 25 Class II officers, 171 Class III and 69 Class IV staff.

Certain officers in the Wing are to be designated as specialists. Specialist posts for engineers with specialist training are star marked thus, EE*. Specialist posts for engineers, or non-engineers, with specialist qualifications are shown together with the equivalent engineering grade thus, Exec. Transport Economist (EEX).

The detailed personnel figures are shown on the attached sheet.

The main activities of the Wing and its Circles are summarised below:

a) Collect, collate, review and monitor data on the entire network included in the RMMS.

b) Undertake additional surveys as may be necessary to carry out economic or other analyses in the planning process.

c) Apply HDM-4 for the analysis of maintenance, improvement and development programmes in order to optimise the use of available financial and other resources.

d) Develop annual & multi-year programmes of maintenance & development works (including foreign aided projects) in consultation with the planning authorities in the MoC and the Planning Commission.

e) Provide guidance on future investment alternatives to the Ministry of Communications, the Ministry of Finance and the Planning Commission based on economic optimisation analyses.

f) Prepare recommendations for any proposed future expansion of the network including commissioning reviews of environmental, ecological, hydrological and social impacts of the proposed construction or acquisition.

g) Prepare PCPs, PPs and TAPPs using data available from the RMMS and HDM-4 analyses.

h) Maintain monitoring systems for revenue and ADP projects including those funded from external resources.

i) Carry out the packaging of annual periodic maintenance programmes, procure contractors and consultants for undertaking large scale periodic maintenance works and monitor the execution of these works.

j) Provide procurement assistance to other circles and field divisions for works and services contracts including: Studies, Surveys, Supervision and Construction for Routine and Periodic Maintenance, Improvement Works and New Construction.

k) Undertake mid year reviews of progress and if appropriate prepare re-allocations of funds to ensure efficient utilisation of resources.

l) Develop a coordinated approach to programme development involving all circles within the Wing whilst ensuring the highest possible service to customers.

m) Establish adequate funds for the operation of the Wing to meet the objectives stated above by securing budgets based on actual operational needs.

n) Establish increased funding for road & bridge maintenance on a long term basis.

Further details on the outputs and activities of the various circles are provided in the Circle Development Plans.