The Roman Empire was held together by an amazing road network that stretched more than 400 000kms, including over 80 000kms of paved roads. It was undoubtedly the highly organised Roman armies that conquered their enemies and carved out, first a republic and then an empire that lasted hundreds of years, but it was the equally well-managed road system that held it all together for so long.
The Roman Empire was held together by an amazing road network that stretched more than 400 000kms, including over 80 000kms of paved roads. It was undoubtedly the highly organised Roman armies that conquered their enemies and carved out, first a republic and then an empire that lasted hundreds of years, but it was the equally well-managed road system that held it all together for so long.
The Romans realised how important it was to maintain their roads to ensure the security of their empire because the roads allowed them to move armies rapidly from one side of their vast territory to another. They used the roads to supply their mobile armies, keep their cities well-stocked and for sending communications.
All successful countries have relied heavily on their transport networks to keep the wheels of trade turning.
It is therefore disturbing that we see the transport network in our area literally falling apart. There was the recent dramatic washout on the N2 highway that has greatly inconvenienced regular traffic between Grahamstown and Port Elizabeth, and that will no doubt cost us millions in the short to medium term future. But there are many other, less dramatic, failures in our road network that will cost us even more unless government at all levels wakes up to the urgency of this problem.
In 2009 we reported extensively on a project to resurface the road that runs in front of the Mary Waters School. After many angry protests and disruptions, the road was finally completed.
Today, a mere three years later, the surface of that road is in a terrible state of disrepair.
The road under construction in Extension 6 is even more worrying. It hasn’t been used yet but it is already showing signs of disintegration. It is true that we have had heavy rains in recent weeks, but surely if a road is built properly it should be able to withstand a storm or two?
Some of the Roman roads are still around after 2 000 years.
