What does the future hold for low volume rural roads in developing countries such as South Africa?

Abstract

It is estimated that 80% of the developing world’s poor live in rural areas. Low volume rural roads account for 80 to 90% of the road infrastructure in most developing countries and are critical to the access and mobility of rural communities. Despite their importance to economic growth and sustainability of rural communities these roads are often neglected and marginalised in terms of funding and appropriate management. This paper will look at the current situation related to South Africa, outline a desired future for these roads and looks at possible solutions and interventions to take rural access and mobility from the current, generally unacceptable situation and condition to an improved all-season access in the next 10- 15 years. Current initiatives related to rural access, Sustainable Mobility for All (SUM4All) and the relevance to the overall Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will be discussed along with the introduction of innovative, alternative, cost-effective technological solutions for LVRs (e.g. nano- and bio technologies) and the need for a relative quick evaluation of the suitability of these designs and products for specific circumstances.