iRAP has proudly supported the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG)’s Safety Day campaign on 28 April to support the application of the UN targets for 3-star or better roads for all road users and enhance infrastructure investment for development impact in the poorest and most fragile countries on earth.

PIDG is an innovative infrastructure development and finance organisation funded by six national governments (UK, Netherlands, Switzerland, Australia, Sweden and Germany) and the International Finance Corporation. Its mission is to operate at the frontier of infrastructure development in low-income countries and fragile states to combat poverty. PIDG provides leadership, development capability, funding and finance solutions across the project cycle to support infrastructure provision that results in high development impact and develops local capacity.

Corresponding with World Day for Safety and Health at Work, PIDG’s Safety Day campaign highlighted the mutual commitment of collaborators to delivering and demonstrating safe working environments for all stakeholders, including employees, partners, contractors in the communities they operate within.  With road crashes the biggest killer of young people worldwide, safe road design is one of the priority themes for the day.

iRAP supported the campaign with video messaging promoting the vital role of safe road design and strategic investment in 3-star or better infrastructure for all road users to save lives and support stronger and safer economies.

iRAP CEO Rob McInerney shared how the enhancement of infrastructure project specifications and impact monitoring frameworks will systematically reduce the burden of road trauma and support PIDG’s commitment to support achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.   

“New roads must be built to a minimum 3-star or better standard for all road users, and the estimated before and after Star Rating; fatality and injury estimates and economic benefits reported prior to construction commencing.

“Slower speeds and a footpath and safe crossing installed in a village.  Separation of high-speed traffic and safe roadsides on a high-speed rural road.  Safe intersection design with low-cost table-top designs or roundabouts.  All simple and proven interventions that will save lives and help combat poverty.  All treatments that will deliver a 3-star or better outcome for pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and vehicle occupants and leave a legacy of safer roads for future generations,” he said.

PIDG has mobilised $33.2 billion from private sector investors and development finance institutions since 2002. 209 million people have access to new or improved infrastructure and 250,000 long term jobs have been created.

Mr McInerney said for countries where PIDG invests, the costs of road trauma often exceeds 5% of national GDP. 

“We simply can’t afford to build brand new 1 and 2-star roads.  Where our intent is to provide infrastructure that enables economic empowerment and opportunity, ensuring the roads are 3-star or better for all road users is a social and economic necessity,” he said.

“We are delighted to collaborate with PIDG and support their world leading work on this World Day for Safety and Health at Work.”