Construction on ‘world class’ taxi rank in Centurion delayed
The ward councillor says he still believes that the R20million facility will be completed by the end of November after fears of dolomite in the area were voiced.
Original projections were that the improved taxi rank would be constructed by end November. Photo: Bennitt Bartl
Despite a delay in the construction of a new “world class” taxi rank in Centurion, the local ward councillor believes it will be completed by the end of November, he told Centurion Rekord.
Ward councillor Peter Sutton said this week: “Building the new facility should not take long to complete.”
Construction was delayed due to fears that the construction site might be dolomitic.
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“Despite the site belonging to the metro, we still have to ensure it is free of dolomite,” said Sutton.
“Sinkholes have been a major concern in the area.”
The site was fenced off in June and the surface has been levelled. Since then, no progress has been made.
Sutton was, nevertheless, optimistic that construction would get underway soon.
“Geological studies were recently concluded and the area has been declared safe for construction.”
The new taxi rank is at the corner of Hendrik Verwoerd Drive and South Street.
It would boast shelters, route lanes, taxi holding areas, office buildings, public toilets, and informal trader stalls.
Sutton said there were no further issues with the approved plans.
“The plans have all been approved by the metro and I am in daily talks with the taxi associations.”
The new taxi rank was sold as a much-needed improvement on the current facility when it was first mooted.
Taxi drivers and commuters this week told Centurion Rekord they were dreading the thought of using the current taxi rank as the rainy season was approaching.
However, they were relieved to hear of the plans to construct a new facility.
The current rank, located in an open field across the Centurion Mall, is used by about 20,000 commuters daily.
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