BOTHAVILLE – The continuing and severely deteriorated state of the R719 between Bothaville and Wesselsbron is threatening the safety of all users, including local farmers transporting agricultural produce in the area.
The road’s condition is causing alarm, and urgent intervention is needed to prevent further disruption to farming operations.
The road is severely deteriorated and predominantly used by local farmers to transport agricultural produce, mostly maize, to the silos. The road surface is extensively damaged, with numerous potholes, erosion, and poor drainage, making it difficult and unsafe for heavy vehicles and other road users.
These poor road conditions have led to frequent vehicle breakdowns, increased transportation costs, delays in delivering produce, and damage to goods in transit. Due to recent rainfall, the road has become almost impassable, further disrupting farming operations and threatening the safety of all users.
Deteriorating infrastructure
The deteriorating infrastructure poses significant risks to both agricultural productivity and road safety, requiring immediate attention from relevant authorities to restore safe passage for farmers and other road users in the region.
The R719 road in the Free State, particularly the stretch between Bultfontein, Wesselsbron, and Bothaville, has been part of a broader, long-standing infrastructure crisis in the region. This route, along with others in the area, has suffered from severe neglect, resulting in dangerous driving conditions.
The R719 has faced issues similar to the notorious R30 road, where portions have deteriorated into dangerous gravel sections, causing vehicles to lose control or plunge into water.
The Free State road network, including routes like the R719, R504, and R727, has been identified for critical rehabilitation due to severe degradation.
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The poor state of these roads has negatively impacted the local economy and created safety hazards for commuters, particularly in areas heavily used for agriculture and mining.
There has been a significant lack of regular maintenance on these roads, leading to a “road to nowhere” situation where only remnants of the original road surface remain in some areas.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Lejweleputswa District Municipality has written to the Municipal Manager, Motlatsi Lesley Makgetha, to request urgent intervention.
“The DA will continue to fight to ensure that this issue is addressed so that farmers are no longer disadvantaged, that economic output is stabilised and that agricultural sustainability in the region is protected,” stated Cllr. Mahalia Kose, DA Councillor Lejweleputswa District Municipality
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