Opening of first Go!Durban route delayed
Taxi owners denied that they were responsible for the hold up as the eThekwini Transport Authority also leaves them behing when making decisions.
THE opening of the long awaited service of the first route of the new GO!Durban integrated public transport network has been put on hold with rumours that the taxi industry is responsible for the setback.
The route from Pinetown’s CBD to KwaMashu’s Bridge City was reported to open this month as the first GO!Durban prototype station structure, at the intersection of Regent Street and Qashana Khuzwayo Roads in New Germany, was completed with universal access and the fare gates tested.
Pinetown Taxi Association chairman, Bheki Mbambo, said he had no idea they were the cause of the hold up.
“This project, Corridor C3, was started to connect communities between Pinetown and the Bridge City. This also affects us as we also transport the community.”
Mbambo said they do have their issues with this project as to date, the head of the eThekwini Transport Authority, Thami Manyathi, is still not engaging with them, but he denied they had anything to do with the construction workers downing tools.
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“Our issue is that there is no communication about the way forward. The roads are complete and the stations are almost complete and I must say they are looking classy.”
He said this transport network affects Pinetown, Molweni/Wyebank and Clermont/KwaDabeka taxi associations with whom they have had meetings and “no association ever mentioned that we should disrupt this project.
“We are always the scapegoats and the ETA should solve their problems with the contractors and stop shifting the blame to us. We, as the Durban West taxis, are a peaceful taxi organisation.
“The people who are working for these contractors are also working for their families and putting food on the table. Why we would want to see children suffering because of us?” asked Mbambo.
ALSO READ: GO!Durban prepares to open its first route
He added that their doors are always open for anyone who wishes to engage with them.
New Germany car guard Nkosinathi Xaba said it has been more than a month since the contractors had stopped working.
“We are also puzzled as we expected to see the buses operating soon,” Xaba said.
The public relations and communications officer for Go!Durban project, Sharlene Versfeld, was sent questions regarding this matter and said she will direct it to the relevant officials and will get back to the Highway Mail as soon as she has all the responses.
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