Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by David van Vuuren MPL, and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr Kabelo Moreeng
The Democratic Alliance (DA) will intensify its push for the urgent repairs to the R59 between Vredefort and Viljoenskroon ahead of the NAMPO Harvest Day event in May. We have also written to SANRAL for clarity on the transfer of the roads custodianship and to the MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport, requesting urgent repairs to the R59.
The department has stated that it has already requested SANRAL to take over the road, but SANRAL is reportedly disputing this. Our letter to SANRAL seeks to confirm whether the request was indeed received and, if so, to establish a clear timeline for the necessary repairs. The department has indicated that the handover and repairs will occur within the next three months; however, the DA remains sceptical about this timeframe.
The R59 is a vital arterial road that transports several tons of grain to silos daily during harvest season and serves as a critical link between farming communities and local markets. Through the Infrastructure Committee, the DA has received feedback on the road’s deteriorating condition and the district’s interim maintenance plan until SANRAL assumes responsibility — a handover the DA fully supports.
The district reportedly requires only R5 million to maintain the road until the transfer is finalised. Failure to allocate this relatively modest amount will accelerate deterioration, increase vehicle damage and transport costs, and place further strain on farmers and small businesses. These added pressures ultimately affect residents whose jobs and household incomes depend on agricultural productivity and reliable infrastructure.
The DA remains steadfast in our belief that strong economies are built on sound infrastructure, and that ensuring repairs are completed before Nampo is essential to protect commuters and safeguard the regional economy.