Kuldar Leis is the Minister of Infrastructure. His father worked as a road builder all his life. In the 1980s, Leis heard at home that the road network was not being maintained enough because there was little money. Even now, Estonia has problems with roads. Everyone you talk to says the same thing. Local governments also see that roads need more funding.
When Leis became the Minister of Infrastructure, he had no great expectations. He didn't know if anything could be done about the funding of the road network. But now he is glad that the government is giving more money and attention to roads. The government is looking at all areas, not just its own. The road network is important and now it is getting more attention.
Leis said that there are plans to develop the road to Pärnu. Currently, this road has received little attention. There are also plans in the direction of Tartu. Smaller roads will also get more attention. There are also plans for the maintenance of gravel roads.
The current government, in Leis's opinion, is very sensible. The government understands that earlier the funding of the road network was too small. Now it makes sense to give more money to road networks. Leis is very happy about this.
Road maintenance is a difficult topic. Everyone can say that in some places more needs to be done. If roads are allowed to deteriorate, later repairs are more expensive. But there are always places where more needs to be done.
Leis said that in Estonia it is important that all people are covered by a good road network. This is very important for security. Estonia needs a whole and proper road network.