Can South African road authorities satisfy constitutionally protected basic access needs without sacrificing economic growth?

Abstract

This paper combines economic theory with GIS application to assess whether South African road authorities can satisfy constitutionally protected basic access needs without sacrificing economic growth. The trade-off between access to basic services for all citizens and economic growth is investigated, with particular attention to issues of constitutional obligations, quality of life, and the fundamental role of economic growth in poverty eduction. Based on Rawls’s Theory of Justice and game theory arguments presented by Binmore, lexicographical priority is assigned to basic access roads. Following the definition of basic access roads and an investigation of the national demand profile, the extent of the potential basic access road network is estimated using primary and secondary schools as a proxy for service centres