The Nation spot-check last weekend established that road reserve encroachment is common along major roads in the country. Beyond the legal implications, the continued occupation of road reserve l and has significant financial and operational consequences. “I think government should take a bold step to ensure that individuals whodevelop on road reserve areas are not compensated. Government should come up with a policy that gives contractors powers to demolish structures constructed within road reserve areas. The historical payments suggest that compensation has remained a significant expenditure in road development , raising questions about the effectiveness of enforcement mechanisms designed to protect road reserve land from illegal occupation.