A substantial portion of the rural population does not have access to transport networks, unreliable or partial access. It is well documented that ensuring an effective rural transport infrastructure system is an essential requirement for rural development. Without reliable access to markets and productive resources, economic development stagnates and poverty reduction can not be sustained. Basic access standards deliver the minimum level of service necessary to promote and sustain the development of rural communities while providing such access to as many people as possible . Many rural communities are still without road access, increasingly there is a deterioration of basic infrastructure resulting in limited possibilities in the dry season and not at all in the rainy season. The provision of all season basic access is therefore an essential condition not just for rural development but for development as a whole.
Rural Transport Development is highlighted one of the future growth areas in Drakenstein and a key focus in the Drakenstein Development Agency. The Agency will play a crucial role throughout the development and upgrade of Rural transport in Drakenstein area.