There seems to be a disconnect between the various Environmental Impact Studies, the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) issuing of mining licenses, Mpumalanga Department of Public Works Roads and Transport and the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL).
Several members of the Middelburg Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI) have attended meetings since 2009; our aim was to ensure our community and our members are not unfairly affected by the various state department’s decisions. Experience has taught us that cooperation and success can only be achieved when all the parties participate in the discussions and in the end agree to a mutually beneficial outcome.
Two specific departments are not interested. The various attendance registers over the years is a clear indication that DMR and SANRAL do not see our community’s road safety as relevant to their operations. They are of the opinion that if there is an existing road that services a proposed development, they cannot stop people from using that road. Factors such as volume, type of traffic, policing, safe use of the road by the public or even clear road markings are ignored.
The Middelburg and Witbank communities had a concession with SANRAL of 75% discount at the Middelburg Toll Gate. However, since the agreement the Concessionaire’s financial requirements has eroded the reduction, forcing the public to use the R555. It appears that SANRAL, the department that is responsible for the maintenance and safety of the R555, views this road as an inconvenience and not a priority.
Unfortunately, it is becoming life threatening to use the road, and we are forced to choose between risking our lives flanked by the coal trucks that turn in front of you regardless of incoming traffic or impoverishing your family with Middelburg Toll Plaza fees. The problem has escalated to such an extent that it is only a matter of time before more people lose their lives. Still no action from SANRAL.
In the current economic environment businesses are often forced to use the R555 to limit some of the cost of the Middelburg Toll Place. Therefore MCCI would like to see mutually beneficial cooperation between all the parties to safeguard our community and our economic growth.