By Aletta Pretorius
In an effort to get urgent repairs to a life-threatening road done, the Clocolan Agricultural Association, local taxi associations and business leaders have issued a formal notice of the planned closure of the R708 between Clocolan and Marquard tomorrow, Thursday 10 July. This action follows years of unsuccessful attempts to engage government authorities, including numerous meetings, written submissions and appeals.
Chris Bender, chairperson of a community meeting held in Clocolan on 8 July, said the R708 deteriorated to a critical level years ago. Its current condition poses a serious threat to public safety and has led to significant economic and logistical problems.
“The R708 is of crucial importance to the rural economy. It serves as a major transport route from the Eastern Cape and Maseru to the mines, and is essential for the movement of agricultural goods – including through the location of the largest feedlot in the Free State. The condition of the road is unacceptable and reflects a blatant disregard for the public’s right to safe and properly maintained infrastructure,” Bender said.
Government Fails to Respond to Community Appeals
The MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport was invited to the meeting, but neither he nor any representatives from the department were present.
The community has now called on the MEC to meet with them in person on Thursday, 10 July, to provide accountability and a clear action plan, specifically regarding the payment of contractors so that repairs can begin without further delay.
Due to the lack of meaningful response and visible action from the government over several years, the community decided to proceed with the closure of the R708 as a last resort – to protect both lives and livelihoods.
