TLU SA is concerned about the condition of the country\u2019s roads. It already has and will only have a greater impact on the economy, and more importantly, it is no longer safe on the roads. There are several factors that play a role and TLU SA realises heavy rain and the accompanying floods have damaged roads, but the fact is that many roads were already in a poor state before the heavy rains and floods.<\/p>\n
Here, both gravel and tar roads are referred to as roads that need urgent attention, because due to the lack of regular maintenance, the condition of the roads are now so bad that it needs to be rebuilt. We are past the stage where maintenance is still a possible solution.<\/p>\n
\u201cEverywhere in South Africa, farmers hear the same story: There is no money, no manpower and no machinery. However, there is a large part of the fuel price – which rises almost every month – for the maintenance of roads. What happens to that money?\u201d said Mr Bennie van Zyl, TLU SA General Manager.<\/p>\n
TLU SA decided to act with a campaign to see what can be done to change the current state of roads.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo address the seriousness of the matter and to bring its urgency to the attention of the right people – and to put them under sufficient pressure to enforce change – TLU SA needs everyone’s help. This is an initiative of South African farmers in collaboration with TLU SA in the interest of food security, human dignity and the right to life,\u201d said Mr Van Zyl.<\/p>\n
Farmers suffer severe damage to their vehicles and products that must reach the markets to feed the people. There are even transport contractors who refuse to use these specific roads due to the condition of roads while other contractors increase their tariffs if they must make deliveries or transport food to farmers – to whom access can only be obtained on the neglected roads.<\/p>\n
Mr Van Zyl adds: \u201cFarming input costs are already very high, and this is even before the monthly fuel price increase is considered. Farmers and agriculture simply cannot afford another onslaught – like the national road conditions – in our effort to provide quality food to the people at affordable prices. The government must now come to the table and at all levels pay attention. We have a crisis on our hands.\u201d<\/p>\n