Inspection and Definition of Intervention Policy for Road Maintenance and Conservation: Case Study in the Municipality of Benguela

Abstract

The definition of intervention policies for the maintenance and conservation of roads is essential to ensure the safety, functionality, and sustainability of road infrastructure, especially in contexts of accelerated deterioration and limited financial resources. This article presents a case study in the municipality of Benguela, Angola, based on a mixed-methods approach that integrated surveys of technical staff, semi-structured interviews, and detailed technical inspections of four urban roads. The results revealed a critical state of conservation, characterized by extensive cracking (87.5% of the roads), alligator cracking (62.5%), permanent deformations (75%), and bleeding (43.7%). Statistical analysis identified significant correlations between the lack of preventive maintenance and the degradation index (r = 0.78, p < 0.01). The economic assessment demonstrated that preventive maintenance can generate savings of 40–60% compared to corrective interventions. It is concluded that advanced deterioration is associated with the absence of formal conservation plans (57.1% of the cases), insufficient funding (53.8%), and the lack of a preventive maintenance culture. Four hierarchical intervention typologies are proposed, and the urgent implementation of public policies based on cost–benefit analysis is recommended, along with the creation of a national road maintenance fund and the promotion of public–private partnerships.