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AgriSA backs road fund

AGRISA has expressed support that a road maintenance and backlog fund be speedily implemented before the country's economy collapses.

AGRISA has expressed support that a road maintenance and backlog fund be speedily implemented before the country's economy collapses.

Chairperson of AgriSA's infrastructure working group Thinus Ferreira said rural economic development cannot be realised as long as the potholes and poor road infrastructure were still there.

He said AgriSA wanted the government to proceed with a motion that funds dedicated for road infrastructure and a maintenance fund to deal with the backlog in road maintenance and upgrading at provincial and local level be set aside.

Ferreira said the road network was the heartbeat of development, especially that of rural areas.

He said the road network fulfilled the basic critical function of providing access and mobility for the execution of economic and social activities.

"The provincial and rural road network is under severe strain," he said.

"This threatens logistics and the safety of road users, while communities are denied access to opportunities such as attending schools, clinics and other essential services."

He said the reasons for road damage was caused by overloaded heavy vehicles and a neglected rail system.

"The consequences for agriculture are enormous, resulting in products arriving late and damaged at markets."

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