Multi-team plan to tackle Toti taxi rank
Parties urged to be present include the business community of the Toti CBD and taxi rank, taxi drivers, informal traders as well as anyone passing through or who is interested.
FRUSTRATION was the order of the day at a multi-department site meeting conducted at Amanzimtoti taxi rank on Tuesday, 17 April.
The meeting sought to identify what facets of the taxi rank’s dilapidated state could be addressed later in the week.
After doing a walk-through, issues were highlighted and it was concluded that the first step in rectifying the situation will take place on Friday, 20 April with an educational morning and clean-up of the rank and surrounding area.
Ward 97 councillor, Andre Beetge grew increasingly frustrated with the issues he came across, all which are known problems that haven’t been addressed for some unknown reason.
Representatives from Durban Solid Waste (DSW), the city’s health department, coastal stormwater and catchment management, rural area-based management, vector control and the business support unit were present. Roleplayers were invited but failed to attend from the taxi association, Public Rail Association of South Africa (PRASA) which is also the land owner, parks, roads, water, waste water and Metro Police departments.
Some of the many issues highlighted include the lack of waste management, a proliferation of alleged prostitutes and drug dealers in the area, sewage contamination of the Toti River, overgrown greenery, uncleared bush, filthy walls, broken or non-existent paving, stolen or broken fencing and barriers, as well as illegal car washing, signage and dumping. The councillor confirmed all of the problems had been previously noted and reported – some numerous times. While some had been addressed by the departments, they had never been resolved.
At Tuesday’s site meeting, it was resolved that come Friday, 20 April, from 8.30am onwards, the departments will join forces to offer an educational morning to taxi drivers, commuters, passersby as well as informal businesses to enlighten them on issues related to water, waste management and sanitation.
Parties urged to be present include the business community of the Toti CBD and taxi rank, taxi drivers, informal traders as well as anyone passing through or who is interested. A clean-up of the area by the municipality’s cleaning teams will also take place.
Cllr Beetge explained the ‘Toti taxi rank’ was actually never intended as a taxi rank. This has been the cause of much confusion about which entity can he held accountable for the upkeep of the area – PRASA or tmunicipality?
“The rank’s grounds were originally provided by PRASA for extended use by the informal traders sector, but the accepted current use is being dictated by the growing need for public transport. Thus what is actually considered ‘private property’ became the area’s taxi rank.
With the expected demand for public transport in line with the city’s Integrated Rapid Public Transport Network programme, it is essential the the Ethekwini Transport Authority (ETA) negotiate common ground between PRASA, the taxi federation and the municipality on the future use and responsibilities of the area,” said Cllr Beetge.
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics.
To receive news links via WhatsApp, send an invite to 061 694 6047
The South Coast Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest – why not join us there?
Do you have more information pertaining to this story?
Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)
