Community to close R708-road over unsafe road conditions and ongoing government inaction

The Clocolan Agricultural Society, local taxi associations, and business leaders have issued formal notice of the planned closure of the R708 between Clocolan and Marquard, in an effort to get urgent repairs done to this life-threatening road. This action follows years of unsuccessful attempts to engage government authorities, including numerous meetings, written submissions, and appeals.

Chris Bender, who chaired a community meeting held in Clocolan on 8 July, stated that the R708 had deteriorated to a critical level years ago. Its current state poses a serious threat to public safety and has resulted in significant economic and logistical difficulties. “The R708 is crucial to the rural economy. It serves as a key transport route from the Eastern Cape and Maseru to the mines, and is vital 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.

The MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport was invited to the meeting, but neither he nor any representatives from the department were in attendance.
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 repair work can begin without further delay.

Due to the lack of meaningful response and visible action from government over several years, the community has resolved to proceed with the closure of the R708 as a last resort — in order to safeguard both lives and livelihoods.