The transformation of Bareng Taxi Rank into a business hub is slowly taking shape and the radical change has taken Diepkloof by storm after many failed attempts. The taxi rank can now be considered viable for business people.
The Diepmeadow Taxi Association chairperson, Enos Pitsi said that was challenging to get the place to the state it is in now and where it has started attracting a number of businesses who are selling their wares or providing much-needed services to residents.
Pitsi said, “We are happy to announce that we have finished the first and the second phases of the project at the Bareng Taxi Rank.”
Before the taxi association took a firm stand, the taxi rank was the bane of the community and a drug den which provided drug users and – peddlers with the ideal hideout, gamblers also frequented the rank, and, as a result, the crime rate soared. The taxi rank has seen an increase in robberies, and other crimes and gained a reputation as a no-go-zone.
A series of community meetings were held in the past to discuss possible solutions to alleviate the escalating crime and no redress was found.
Jabu Shabalala of the Diepmeadow Taxi Association said that they envisioned a cleaner taxi rank which would ensure the safety of commuters and residents.
He said, “After the end of the old term, the newly elected chairperson sought to do something positive with the place that would, in turn, benefit them.”
Drug users resisted attempts by the community to have them removed from the area and were left with no choice but to leave as renovations at the Bareng Taxi Rank were well underway.
The old business stalls have already been demolished and the ones left standing are for serious business owners like Themba Dliwayo who sells tripe and meat.
Dliwayo said, “Since unemployment is so rife, I had to figure out a way to feed myself and maintain my life because when you’re facing unemployment, you must do something.”
The project is rapidly seeing Bareng get clean and the presence of addicts take a nosedive.
Pitsi said, “Our aim with this place is to make sure that it is fit for businesses and services the residents with dignity. We have to utilise the open spaces so that the old people don’t come back with their old habits.”
People with businesses are invited to the taxi rank to occupy the now clean business stalls.
