Fed up of being ignored – taxi owners halt Go!Durban inspection

THERE is still uncertainty around whether the highly-anticipated bus project will ever take off as The Go!Live date has been missed on numerous occasions.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Taxi drivers bring Crompton Street to a standstill

On Friday, 16 October, a physical inspection of the highly-anticipated R40 billion Go!Durban Integrated Rapid Public Transport Network which was set to be conducted by KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison Bheki Ntuli was pulled to a halt by furious taxi owners.  

The taxi drivers and owners brought Crompton Street to a standstill demanding the MEC and eThekwini Transport Authority Unit head, Thami Manyathi address their grievances which according to them have been ignored for many years.

The MEC was forced to hold a meeting with the taxi association members which included Clermont and KwaDabeka, Molweni and Pinetown

The Highway Mail has published numerous stories regarding the estimated route opening, followed by reports of delays with numerous disruptions and inconvenience caused to motorists, residents and business owners. The brand, Go!Durban, an integrated rapid public transport network (IRPTN) was introduced in 2013 to transform Durban’s public transport system.

The first GO!Durban prototype station structure at the intersection of Regent Street and Qashana Khuzwayo Roads in New Germany was completed in 2017.

The media briefing on Friday revealed that to date, eThekwini Municipality has spent over R6 billion on the Go!Durban project, which is poised to provide a world-class solution for the City’s future public transport needs.

The MEC’s visit was in line with the October Transport Month’s theme, ‘Together shaping the future of Transport’. The Department of Transport seeks to ensure that it continues to provide quality transport infrastructure and connect communities.

Fed up with empty promises

Clermont and KwaDabeka public relations officer, Sunshine Ngwane said they were fed up with being ignored.

“When this project started, there was a meeting when we were promised all sort of thing including being compensated as this project will affect our daily work. Since it began, the roads have been dug on so many occasions and it makes our work very difficult. “

He said this project is now nearing the end as they can see that they are bringing in buses.

Ngwane said they were not against this project which is set to benefit the commuters but they would appreciate to be updated on it.

Ntuli told members of the media that he was not aware of the taxi owners issues and promised to meet again with them on Tuesday, 20 October.

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