The Department’s mandate is testing and research on roads and building construction materials, road pavement design and construction specifications, construction quality control and assurance, and post construction evaluation of roads and other infrastructure.

The mandate of the Department is delivered through the following core functions:

1. Provision of laboratory and testing facilities for:

• Geological and geotechnical investigations;
• Geospatial surveys;
• Hydrological surveys and hydraulic studies;
• Traffic surveys and studies;
• Prospecting, examination and testing of construction materials;
• Construction quality control; and
• Post construction monitoring and evaluation of roads, bridges, buildings and other connected civil works including Non-Destructive Testing;

1. Testing, calibration, and verification of precision instruments, gauges, scientific apparatus, and other laboratory and field measurement equipment to ensure compliance with the provisions of both the Standards Act and the Weights and Measures Act;
2. Certifying civil engineering laboratory technicians;
3. Vetting of pavement designs for road upgrading, reconstruction, rehabilitation and strengthening works by roads authorities;
4. Construction quality control oversight on public roads including post construction evaluation of completed works;
5. Monitoring functional and structural performance of road pavements including  axle load and pavement condition surveys on all  public roads to facilitate preparation of public investment and annual  works programmes by other road agencies;
6. Maintenance of pavement construction and maintenance data base for public roads;
7. Research on road development, maintenance, and operations including research on new construction materials, construction methods and road safety studies;
8. Undertake collaborative research activities in liaison with other local and international Organizations;
9. Disseminate research undertakings and findings;
10. Development and review of materials testing standards, road design manuals and standard specifications for construction and maintenance of roads in conjunction with  other  roads authorities and stakeholders;
11. Provide materials testing and consultancy services at nominal charges to other government Departments, roads authorities and the public; and
12. Advise the government on road construction, maintenance and operation standards, on physical, chemical and engineering characteristics of materials and on materials usage.