Agricultural producers in Magdalena, in the province of Buenos Aires, are experiencing significant improvements in the condition of rural roads after taking over the management of 80% of the funds raised for this purpose. Just six months after implementing a new management system, the results are already visible.
The Rural Services Administrative Commission (CASER), which includes producers, road users, and municipal representatives, began operations on February 2 of this year. Facundo Seambelar, secretary of the Rural Society of Magdalena, mentioned that work on the roads began much earlier, in 2018, with the use of resources for pest bird control and the purchase of materials.
In 2022, an ordinance was approved that established a specific fund, with 80% of the funds raised from the general road tax and other categories. CASER is responsible for managing these funds, deciding monthly how they will be used for the purchase of materials, machinery repairs, and other operational expenses.
A study by the National Technological University (UTN) revealed that the road network needing maintenance was between 900 and 920 kilometers, rather than the commonly mentioned 1350 kilometers. According to Seambelar, this data was crucial in establishing a long-term work plan. However, the transition was not straightforward. When CASER took over, only one of the five municipal graders was operational.
José Vergara, treasurer of CASER, points out that despite the initial obstacles, significant progress has been made. In less than two months, access to rural schools in the district was ensured, preventing classes from being suspended due to muddy conditions. Additionally, some residents have chosen to contribute financially, funding between 200 and 400 trucks of materials for road maintenance.
The community’s collaboration has been a key factor in this process. Vergara emphasizes that the changes in road conditions have led to unexpected situations, such as the gratitude of school directors who had not previously seen machinery working in their vicinity.
Source: www.lanacion.com.ar
