Roads not the apple of their eyes
Farmers have expressed fears that apples destined for the overseas and local markets become damaged due to bruising caused by the bumpy and rutted roads. After being sent from
In what seems to be an annual occurrence, apple farmers along the De Emigratie-Overvaal road are once again faced with problems in transporting their apple harvest.
This is due to the shocking condition of gravel roads leading to and from a packaging warehouse situated on one of the farms.
Wash-aways, lack of drainage furrows and poor maintenance have caused deep ruts in the road, making it almost impassable for most vehicles and especially heavy trucks.
According to one of the farmers, some contactors are refusing to allow their trucks to travel on the roads for fear of potential damage to their vehicles.
Farmers have in turn expressed fears that apples destined for the overseas and local markets become damaged due to bruising caused by the bumpy and rutted roads.
After being sent from pillar to post by the various local and provincial authorities, the Highvelder highlighted the problem as far back as January and April 2011.
According to one of the farmers, this led to the road eventually being scraped and levelled by graders early last year.
“That was the last time the road was scraped. We find it hard to believe the excuse that road graders are not available. A number of brand new graders are currently standing unused at the Gert Sibande District Municipality. Last year groups of female workers armed with spades were dispatched in the area to dig and clear run-off ditches to allow rainwater to flow away from the road surface. These workers were often seen resting next to the roadside at all times of the day.
They were later withdrawn without much work having been done,” he said.
He explained that the apple-harvesting season lasts from January to May each year.
Once the apples are packed, they must be dispatched without delay because, as he put it, “the apples cannot wait for roads to be repaired”.
Farmers have expressed fears that delays in dispatching the fruit may lead to deterioration in quality and subsequent losses in income. This could lead to workers being laid off.
“We employ a workforce of 90 and for most of them this is their only source of income for their families.
The effects of a lay-off will spell utter hardship for these people,” he added.
