FREE STATE – The R59 provincial road has turned into a death trap for motorists and an economic liability for the industries and businesses lining its route.
Beginning in Dealesville in the Free State, the R59 runs north-east across the Vaal River and terminates in Tulisa Park near Johannesburg. More than merely a link between the Free State and Gauteng, it also serves as an alternative transport corridor between the North West, Northern Cape, and Gauteng, relieving pressure on the N1 and N12.
Safety and economic concerns
“South Africans living along the R59 are being denied economic opportunities, whilst those using the route risk their lives. The road is riddled with potholes and has insufficient markings near towns and residential crossings,” says Igor Scheurkogel MP, NCOP Spokesperson on CoGTA.
Between Gauteng and Sasolburg, the R59 is intended to serve as a strategic corridor connecting Alberton and Vereeniging, but it cannot carry heavy traffic effectively due to its poor condition.
The intersections at the Sasolburg entrances experience weekly accidents due to poor lighting and inadequate traffic management, making them extremely dangerous. From Sasolburg to Vredefort and other popular tourism areas in the Free State, the deplorable condition of the road deters visitors travelling to Parys.
Agricultural impact
Scheurkogel says the R59 is crucial because it passes through South Africa’s agricultural “bread basket.” It runs through Bothaville, Wesselsbron, and Hoopstad in the Free State and links Wolmaranstad in the North West; together these provinces produce an estimated 66.8% of South Africa’s maize.
“However, farmers and businesses in this region have been forced to use alternative routes because the R59 has been allowed to deteriorate under the Free State provincial government’s stewardship.”
Unemployment crisis
According to Statistics SA, the North West’s official unemployment rate of 53.6% is the highest amongst South African provinces, followed by the Free State at 45.1%. The country cannot afford to allow vital roads like the R59 to remain dysfunctional when they are essential for economic growth.
The Democratic Alliance will take the following action steps to help grow the economy:
- Launch a petition to hand over to relevant provincial departments, urging that the R59 be transferred to SANRAL
- Write to the Minister of Transport, requesting immediate engagement with provincial departments to ensure maintenance begins at once, so travellers can be safe on the R59 during the festive season
- Engage with the Minister of Cooperative Governance so that local municipalities and the provincial government collaborate, making town and city entrances safer. This includes delegating authority to municipalities to install speed bumps, warning signs, and proper lighting for day and night safety
- Liaise with the Minister of Agriculture to ensure inter-ministerial cooperation so that farmers and agricultural businesses in the bread basket are not harmed by poor road infrastructure
Commitment to economic growth
“We are committed to supporting the growth of local and rural economies, creating jobs and uplifting South Africans. Proper road infrastructure is fundamental to this mission. We will monitor progress to ensure communities along the R59 benefit from this vital transport artery. When you move people and goods, you move money,” Scheurkogel stated.
You must be logged in to post a comment.