Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Irene Rügheimer and Sesotho soundbite by Jafta Mokoena MPL. See attached picture here.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has formally submitted written questions to Council regarding the growing and deeply concerning impact of heavy trucks and long-distance rigs parking within the town of Fouriesburg.
Fouriesburg is a small town that was never designed or structured to accommodate heavy vehicle traffic or overnight truck parking. Yet, due to stricter enforcement in neighbouring towns, Fouriesburg has increasingly become an alternative parking area for heavy trucks. This situation is neither fair nor sustainable for residents or local businesses.
While a recent decline in truck numbers has been observed, trucks continue to park illegally and remain overnight in residential streets and near guesthouses, hotels, restaurants, and other tourism-dependent businesses. Residents estimate that between 5 and 30 heavy trucks are regularly parked in the town overnight.
Residents and business owners have consistently reported ongoing noise disturbances, particularly overnight, serious safety concerns for pedestrians and motorists, air pollution and obstruction caused by idling trucks, declining property values, and a loss of income for guesthouses, hotels, restaurants, and other local businesses.
This situation undermines the tranquil character of Fouriesburg and interferes with residents’ and business owners’ right to a peaceful, safe, and healthy environment.
The DA has requested comprehensive written responses from the municipality on the following critical areas:
The status of the proposed truck stop facility for Fouriesburg, including reasons for delays or abandonment and whether the project will be revived.
Regulation and enforcement, including existing by-laws governing heavy vehicle parking, the extent of enforcement over the past 12 months, and timelines for implementing regulations where gaps exist.
Economic and tourism impacts, including whether the municipality has assessed reported income losses suffered by tourism-related businesses.
Road infrastructure damage, particularly the premature deterioration of recently resurfaced roads in the town centre, whether these roads were designed for heavy loads, and the financial implications for repairs.
Future prevention strategies, such as designated truck routes, restricted zones, and collaboration with SAPS and Traffic Services.
Stakeholder engagement, including whether local business forums, guesthouse owners, and residents have been consulted, and when such engagement will take place if it has not yet occurred.
We believe that allowing heavy trucks to park within Fouriesburg places an unfair burden on a town that lacks the infrastructure to support them. It threatens the local tourism economy, erodes residents’ quality of life, and creates long-term financial liabilities through accelerated road damage.
We call on the municipality to act decisively by implementing and enforcing clear regulations on heavy vehicle parking, protecting tourism and residential areas, engaging openly with affected stakeholders, and providing sustainable, long-term solutions that balance regional transport needs with the rights and well-being of the Fouriesburg community.
The DA will closely monitor the municipality’s response and continue to advocate for practical, fair, and enforceable measures that protect Fourieburg’s residents, businesses, and unique character.