THE Effingham/Greenwood Park Taxi Association said they are hoping to find common ground with residents at a public meeting this Wednesday to address concerns and frustrations.
Residents of Greenwood Park say they are at their wit’s end over what they call ‘thuggish’ behaviour by taxi drivers in the area.
Accusations of intimidation and harassment of e-hailing drivers by the taxi association surfaced at a meeting at Havelock Sports Grounds last week organised by ward councillor Bobby Maharajh. Residents said they felt coerced into choosing one mode of transport (taxis) due to the incidents highlighted.
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However, the owner and chairman of the association, Thulani Sibaya, said another taxi association was behind attempts of intimidation.
“We want to speak to the residents to find common ground. I’m aware of some of the allegations made but there is another taxi association involved. We have a licence that allows us to operate in the Greenwood Park and Effingham areas. We are trying our best to do the right thing but we haven’t intimidated anyone.
“I understand the residents’ frustrations and they are free to choose whatever mode of transport they want to use. The one thing I will have a word with my drivers about is the constant hooting which was a concern also raised. At the meeting on Wednesday we will raise our collective concerns and hope for police assistance in addressing the allegations,” Sibaya said.
Ward councillor, Bobby Maharajh confirmed plans were in motion to set-up a meeting on Wednesday morning and details would be published on his Facebook page.
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