Natural Disaster Management and the Road Network in Ecuador: Policy Issues and Recommendations

This study identifies the major structural problems and constraints that impair the performance of disaster management in the road network of Ecuador. The paper identifies two categories of problems: reconstruction and relief efforts are favored in a reactive manner and also the lack of planning and poor procurement practices increases the reconstruction and disruption costs of extreme natural events. The recommendations of this exploratory study include changes in governance of the national disaster management system in issues related to transportation and the strengthening of the Ministry of Public Works (MOP's) role and skills as sector leader in all the country. For the transportation sector itself, the proposals include strengthening planning of mitigation and prevention, creation of permanent disaster management units within MOP and provincial governments, prioritization of maintenance and rehabilitation efforts in the entire national road and the use of incentive contracts and incorporation of the communities to the recovery of tertiary and rural roads.