In preparation for the upcoming harvesting season, NWK is grading approximately 1,400km of gravel roads leading to their silo complexes. Due to heavy rainfall over the past few months, some roads have been washed away and require rebuilding to improve accessibility.
The second phase began on March 13th and is estimated to cost R1.4 million. Currently, roads in the Oppaslaagte and Delareyville areas are being graded, with Kameel, Geysdorp, Sannieshof, Coligny, Bodenstein, and Koster to follow.
NWK appointed a contractor in July of last year to grade approximately 1,500km of gravel roads, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the North West's Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport, through which NWK offered its help to the government to improve the province's gravel roads.
According to Theo Rabe, Group CEO of NWK, gravel and tar roads in the North West Province varies from poor to extremely poor, with little attention given to necessary maintenance by provincial and national governments.
“NWK, therefore, decided to get involved in the grading of roads – not only to improve business with our various operating points – but also to allow our customer base and other residents of the area to benefit from the safer use of the roads. The company is already a responsible citizen of the country that pays all taxes. However, this can be described as an additional tax. If we don’t get involved, the risk is high that our road network can collapse entirely. Neither NWK nor our clients can afford it,” said Theo.
“Together with our producers, we will aim to make a difference to some of the roads. However, we cannot take over the responsibility entirely. Some of the gravel roads are in such a dilapidated state that rebuilding these roads is the only option. Especially the roads in the bushveld of Zeerust and Groot Marico are inaccessible,” Theo concluded.
The project is estimated to be completed by the end of May 2023.
