Taxi rank security under scrutiny by EXCO
"We must go back and look at the core functions of the municipality and focus on our priorities..."
The Newcastle Municipality is seeking ways to manage and reduce costs. One possibly way of achieving these may be the removal of security officials at the Newcastle Taxi Rank.
This option was discussed at an Executive Committee (EXCO) meeting, held on January 21 at the EXCO Boardroom, at the municipal complex. During the meeting, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport presented its case to councillors, including Mayor, Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba, Deputy Mayor, Reuben Molelekoa, and Acting Municipal Manager, Muzi Mayisela.
KZN Department of Public Transport Director, Sibusiso Ntuli, in his presentation said security was needed at the taxi rank, like physical security, the use of boom gates, perimeter fencing, issuing of rank permits, surveillance, and other measures. He said these were approved by the Provincial Council in 2014.
Ntuli stated Newcastle, KwaNongoma and KwaMaphumulo were just few years ago regarded as areas prone to taxi violence. He added security at the rank would ensure there would be more control in terms of violence and illegal goods/firearms shipped from town to town.
Cllr Mahlaba responded the municipality’s core function was not to provide security at the rank, but to take care of the rank in terms of cleaning and maintenance. Matthew Shunmugam of Development Planning and Human Settlements reiterated the Mayor’s words:
“There’s too much reliance on the municipality and right now our finances don’t allow us. We must go back and look at the core functions of the municipality and focus on our priorities, and right now our priority is Eskom.”
The Mayor put forward that the MM was to write a letter to the department, telling it about the termination of security at the rank. Head of Communications at the municipality, Mlungisi Khumalo said the matter was still being deliberated:
“At the moment, we can not comment on queries regarding this particular issue, until proper documentations have been finalised. Until all relevant parties and stakeholders have been contacted, we can’t currently make a final decision. We would like to put it to the community that we in fact welcome any form of cost-cutting measures or suggestions.”
Read the full story in this week’s edition of the Newcastle Advertiser.
ALSO READ: Council awaits legal stance on taxi rank
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