The section of Kruis Street behind the taxi rank became a nightmare for motorists and pedestrians even before the pandemic.
A project to develop hawkers’ stalls behind the taxi rank was stopped halfway. Heaps of bricks and other building rubble were left on the sidewalk, and grass and weeds had taken over the few open spaces. Because of this, no pedestrians can walk on the sidewalk but have to venture in front of oncoming traffic.
The owner of a nearby business complained that the building site is also overgrown and has become a hiding place for criminals.
“The thugs grab people’s things and run there to get away because they know no one can go after them,” he complained.
Delivery trucks cannot get into the back of the taxi rank anymore but have to pull up in a narrow passageway next to the abandoned project.
The Herald took the concerns to the municipality on Tuesday.
“The project was stalled due to legal problems.
Merafong, in partnership with Harmony Gold (project implementer), is working on resolving the problems. As the matter is sub judice, we do not know when it will be resolved. We urge residents to report any suspected crimes to the SAPS and the municipality to protect the municipality’s infrastructure,” the municipal spokesperson said.
