A gravel road is a gravel road, right?

Not according to Chris Koch, Director of Infrastructure.

“Good gravel roads are essential for our agricultural sector. While wheat and rooibos are not easily damaged, fruit and livestock can be bruised during transport on a poor condition gravel road. Secondly, it is estimated that fuel consumption can increase by 20% on a poor road, and that of a truck by 27% which is not ideal, especially when fuel prices are so high. Then of course, the prospect of vehicle wear and tear, irrespective of what’s being farmed. These costs are either suffered by the farmer or passed to the consumer”.

Raw gravel sourced from our district is less than optimal and this presents a challenge but about 80% of our gravel roads are in excellent condition.

The team maintains about 8 000 gravel roads and the maintenance schedule can vary according to usage. The maintenance plan is scheduled around different classifications of the road’s purpose and frequency of use. In spring, visitors need to reach the vygies and there are high traffic volumes. Conversely, mountain bikers or 4 X 4 enthusiasts might not thank you for a smooth ride.

Apart from recreational and commercial road usage, many community members need to travel to work and school on gravel roads.

No, a gravel road is not just a gravel road.

Chris Koch
Director Infrastructure Services
Weskus Distrik Municipality.