FS community up in arms govt doesn’t have funds to fix crucial road
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11-07-2025
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SABC News
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The Free State government does not have enough funds to allocate for the repair of the R708 between Marquard and Clocolan. This is according to the chairperson of the Legislature Committee on Roads and Transport in the province, David van Vuuren.
The dilapidated road has reportedly collapsed some businesses in the two towns.
Frustrated with government, farmers and taxi operators say the road has become a death trap. Farmers and various taxi associations barricaded the R708 road with their vehicles, in an effort to persuade the Department of Roads and Transport to commence with the project.
Manyetseng and Moemaneng taxi associations say it’s been six months of not using the road.
Association Spokespersons, Sabata Nkatane, says, “This road is wasting our time. For a 30km distance, you travel one hour and 30 minutes then you can imagine with your vehicle when you see this road you need to pray, as if you see your enemies. It’s our enemy. This road is no longer conducive to us.”
Thulo Semenyane, says, “This road interferes with our work. We have stopped our operation. We can’t pay for our cars.”
Chris Bender, a farmer, says he is unable to transport his goods using the road because of its appalling condition.
“A lot of the maize we produce in Clocolan needs to be transported on this road to the feed lot for the cattle, but there is no way we can travel on this road. Taking a long detour is costing the farmers and contractors a lot of money.”
Farmers say it’s been over four years of waiting for the road to be refurbished.
According to Van Vuuren, there aren’t enough funds to fix the road.
“The HOD of finance told us they are struggling. They can’t pay. That’s why this has been put on hold. This is a R250 million project, but there is only R50 million available for this financial year.”
In a statement from the department, MEC Jabu Mbalula reaffirmed the road remains a declared departmental priority.
The department says the appointed contractor has committed to commence construction in mid-July.
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