Producers demand tax cut over poor rural road maintenance in Colón

Agricultural producers in Colón, located in the northern Buenos Aires province, have reached their limit with the deteriorating state of rural roads. Despite paying a dedicated tax for their maintenance, the roads remain in disrepair, prompting frustration among more than 70 producers.

These producers recently convened at the local Rural Society to strategize their next steps. Their primary demands to the municipality include a reduction of the road tax until service improves, a change in the current collection method, and a guarantee that collected funds are genuinely allocated to road maintenance.

While the final proposal is still under discussion, the core of the producers' grievance is clear. They are working on a draft to present to Mayor Waldemar Giordano. One of the key proposals being considered is an immediate reduction of the tax. The idea is to implement a temporary, standardized rate per hectare, equivalent to the current charge for properties between 50 and 100 hectares, approximately $10,000 per hectare annually.

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We are tired of meetings with the mayors in office. We want concrete proposals and concrete answers.

This proposed scheme would remain in place until the municipality presents a comprehensive infrastructure plan and demonstrates tangible improvements to the road conditions. José Manfredini (h), vice president of the Rural Society of Colón, expressed the collective weariness with ongoing discussions, stating, "We are tired of meetings with the mayors in office. We want concrete proposals and concrete answers."

Manfredini highlighted that the issue extends beyond just the roads' condition; it also involves a lack of a proper maintenance plan. He explained that simply grading the roads is insufficient. Essential work like raising roadbeds, improving drainage ditches, ensuring proper slopes for water runoff, and maintaining culverts are necessary but have been neglected for a long time. Producers question the current tax system, where different rates are charged based on property size, yet all receive substandard service.

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It is not enough to pass the grader to fill potholes. It is necessary to raise the roadbeds, dig ditches, leave the roads with the proper slope for water to drain, and fix the culverts. That work has not been done for a long time.