Infrastructure South Africa prioritised the preparation of the Free State Roads Programme to address road infrastructure challenges affecting the province’s agricultural economy and transport sector. The programme is among the infrastructure projects being prioritised as government seeks to improve road networks and strengthen the province’s agricultural economy.

The programme is focused on improving the province’s road infrastructure and reducing logistics costs for the agricultural sector, according to Infrastructure South Africa. The programme assessed approximately 12,000 km of roads to determine the infrastructure investment required, including upgrades, rehabilitation and refurbishment.

By identifying and prioritising key transport routes, the programme aimed to improve the movement of agricultural produce and livestock, reduce logistics costs and support economic activity across the Free State.

“Earlier this year, we piloted the work around internal roads in the Free State and how this is affecting the agricultural economy,” said Infrastructure South Africa’s external relations and communications chief director Nombulelo Nyathela.

“Projects that are not well prepared are unable to unlock any kind of fiscal allocation, let alone private sector support. We work very hard to unlock partnerships, unlock funding and move projects along.

“We knew that we needed to intervene, at least in a small way, because municipal infrastructure is a binding constraint on the economy. The more we decisively hold the hands of project sponsors, the more we see boots on the ground, yellow fleets and cranes in the sky.”

Public works and infrastructure minister Dean Macpherson said national intervention on key routes, including the R59 near Parys, could help address infrastructure challenges and reduce the costs associated with transporting goods. He highlighted the importance of partnerships and the prioritisation of infrastructure projects to accelerate delivery.

Macpherson said the R59 is being transferred to the South African National Roads Agency, which could bring greater national investment and focus to the route. “Because at the end of the day, if you don’t have functional infrastructure like roads that are free of potholes, that adds to the cost of hauling trucks, the cost associated with safety, road accidents and so on.”

Infrastructure South Africa said the focus will remain on preparing projects that can attract funding and move into implementation, with the Free State Roads Programme expected to help address challenges affecting the province’s agricultural economy.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame sm

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