Infrastructure and Local Goverment    

The importance of an adequate physical infrastructure for economic and rural development and competitive agricultural production is self-evident. Ongoing liason, also specifically with local authorities in respect of the following policy and operational matters is an example of related aspects being dealt with:

• An inadequate rural road infrastructure and the deterioration thereof.
• The underprovision of rail infrastructure at peak times and the lack of maintanence thereof, which have a cost effect on agriculture.
• The standardisation of tractor and trailer licensing tariffs and the administrative system involved.
• An exclusion clause in the Road Traffic Act for the transportation of small quantities of hazardous substances for agriculture.
• Problems with the handling of freight at harbours and the cost-increasing effect thereof on exports.
• The establishment of effective communication infrastructure.
• The financial impact of toll fees on the transport costs of agricultural products and inputs, and the application for a national toll concession.
• The safety of road users on national routes.
• The promotion of agriculture's position in terms of participation in local goverment structures.
• The standardisation of vehicle specifications.
• Negotiations of a standard mailbox rental for bona fide farmers.