Minister of Transport Fikile Mbalula together with Gauteng MECs and the Department of Health launched Covid-19 testing and screening for the taxi industry on 19 May.
With Ivory Park being identified as an emerging hotspot for Covid-19, the government partnered with Ivory Park Taxi Association to help contain its spread. Testing and screening in Ivory Park Ext 13 also focused on testing for underlying conditions such as HIV and TB.Mbalula said he had big plans for the taxi industry.
“I am on a journey of regulating and formalising the taxi industry. The government is planning to offer financial support to the taxi industry to help them survive this pandemic. This funding will also include the pension payments to retired drivers.”
Mbalula added the taxi industry played a significant role in fighting Covid-19. “The taxi industry has been co-operating with the lockdown regulations and I thank them for sacrificing their time and energy to help fight the growth of Covid-19.”
Ivory Park Taxi Association vice chairperson, Vusi Macheke, urged drivers to follow lockdown regulations. “I urge drivers to value their lives more than money, and they must follow the rules handed to them by the government. I also encourage passengers to report drivers who do not follow the law so that we can take the necessary steps against them.”
Ivory Park taxi ranks have set up a sanitiser tunnel for people who enter the rank premises. The testing and screening for Covid-19 will also focus on the residents of Ivory Park as well as surrounding areas.Details: Vusi Macheke 083 334 3752
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