UMHLANGA ward councillor Nicole Bollman has laid the blame for Tuesday’s taxi blockade at the feet of the eThekwini Municipality.
Routes in and out of the uMhlanga CBD were blocked for several hours as taxi operators demanded the municipality find a solution to the lack of a designated taxi rank in the area.
According to the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO), taxi operators were unable to park in their normal spot near the R4-billion Oceans Umhlanga Mall as the area was cordoned off with concrete barriers.
Related article: City condemns uMhlanga taxi blockade, commits to finding ‘amicable’ solution
“The inability of the eThekwini Municipality to find common ground with taxi owners and other local businesses within the area came to a head yesterday. The ongoing challenges in uMhlanga Rocks, exacerbated by the resumption of the Oceans Development project, have raised concerns for residents and local businesses alike.
“The Democratic Alliance has consistently advocated for improved public transport facilities within the uMhlanga Rocks precinct or an alternative arrangement outside of the precinct. Regrettably, City officials have chosen evasion over engagement, obscuring these issues with smoke and mirrors. Taxis serve as a lifeline to uMhlanga’s businesses, and their actions reflect the frustration and desperation felt by operators, business owners and residents. The DA condemns the eThekwini Municipality’s inaction and its failure to address these pressing concerns,” she said.
A closed-door meeting is scheduled to take place between taxi operators and the municipality on Wednesday.
“We call upon the municipality to acknowledge and address the long-standing issues surrounding public transport. I urge the eThekwini Municipality to engage in meaningful dialogue with all parties involved and prioritise the well-being and safety of the community,” she said.
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