Sanral spends millions on fences

Randall Cable, engineering manager of operations for Sanral, western region, explained frankly how expensive it is to control the wandering cows, saying millions of rands had already been spent on measures to prevent them from getting onto the highway.

“A significant number of fences was damaged and lost during the recent Knysna fires. Sanral is currently replacing these fences, as quickly as possible. However, theft of fences is also a major concern. The upkeep and maintenance of the fences is the dual responsibility of Sanral and the landowners of the properties adjacent to the N2. There appears to be little to no responsibility taken by the farmers who own the livestock.

“In the last two years, Sanral has spent over R13-million on fencing and it is estimated that a further R2-million will be spent on replacing fire-damaged fencing over the next few weeks/months. In problematic areas, steel mesh fencing has been erected at huge additional costs,” Cable said.

“It should also be noted that there are service roads that lead from the farms directly onto the N2, and sometimes livestock make their way down these roads, eventually ending up on the N2. This should be controlled by the farmers.”

He also advised motorists to be on the lookout for cattle and other animals, particularly while fences are still being replaced, and to reduce speed when noticing animals in the road reserve.

Please inform traffic police of their location by calling the centralised communication centre for the Eden District municipality on 044-805-5071, Sanral’s routine road maintenance manager Johan Nel on 082-612-1980, provincial traffic services on 044-382-5525 or municipal traffic on 084-085-8148.