Members are doing it for themselves

Meanwhile, tired of waiting on relevant authorities to repair key rural access roads that are crucial to financial livelihoods and sustained food supply in and out of communities, KZN farmers have embarked on their own restoration efforts following further damage caused by the floods in April.

Main rural access routes into and out of Mid-Illovo and some parts of Creighton were severely affected by the floods.

In Mid-Illovo, main access to the community was cut off when a low-level bridge was completely submerged by the flooding.

Prior to repairing roads that their own cost, both Mid-Illovo and Ingwe Farmers’ Associations were in constant communication with the Department of Roads and Transport.

“We provided letters from all those who have been affected by the state of the roads, have had numerous meetings with different stakeholders and have taken officials onto the roads to show them our concerns,” said Brett Chubb, Chairperson of Mid-Illovo Farmers’ Association.

“We have had several meetings with the department, have sent many letters and have taken them to see the roads. With no response and no timelines on when the road will be repaired, we had to do something about it ourselves,” said Creighton dairy farmer Hayden Stokes.