Proposals to preserve taxi rank upgrades

NOW that the City of uMhlathuze is upgrading the dilapidated Empangeni taxi rank, municipal management is stressing the importance of preventing the structures from yet again falling into a state of disrepair.

Addressing the City’s executive committee, management proposed implementing a Post Upgrade Operational and Management Plan to ensure ‘improved service delivery’ and proper maintenance of the R7-million revamp.

The facility situated between Shoprite Centre and Power Spar is a gateway to a cluster of townships for thousands of commuters per day.

Construction includes new shelters and expansion of parking areas to improve access control of vehicles and pedestrians.

‘In order to set the tone, it is highlighted that the combination of factors, such as the previous sense of disengagement, inadequate routine maintenance, lack of periodical maintenance, lack of access control and general lack of control, has over time resulted in the poor and reputation damaging chaotic conditions in our public transport facilities,’ it was stated in the agenda item.

‘Currently, millions of rands are invested by council in rank improvements programs to remedy the situation.

ALSO READ: Empangeni taxi rank upgrade almost complete

‘It is therefore sensible and logical that the investment made should be followed by an effective and order promoting post upgrade management plan.

‘Such a plan should lay out and put in place necessary control measures that will assist to sustain the intended improvements or upgrades.’

Objectives outlined in the agenda include establishing a rank management system to control access to facilities and having security provisions to deter criminal behaviour.

In addition, it was suggested that street trading be regulated and management to issue rank permits to operators with valid operating licenses.

There will also be more regular inspections of the facilities and ‘unbecoming conduct’ by operators will be reported to authorities.

To facilitate liaison with role players at the rank, management plans to set up forums and host regular meetings to consult operators and informal traders.

Taxi rival trouble

Another concern found by the City’s facility traffic study is that only three associations are using the rank – the eNseleni, eSikhaleni and Ngwelezana Taxi Associations.

This raised question marks on whether other associations were ‘pushed out’ or are being prevented from accessing the facilities.

‘It serves as a reminder that in the taxi industry, there are concealed rivalries and alliances.

‘A few years ago, rank lot 63 bears ugly history – it was at lot 63 where the country once witnessed the bloodiest tragedy, which resulted in numerous deaths.

‘The repeat of such ought to be avoided as it could cause irreparable reputational damage to our City.’

Lot 63, ideally located within a commercial centre, is the most popular taxi spot in demand by associations.

‘Inevitably, there is a strong push by associations to gain loading spaces, however, it will be impossible and impractical to accommodate all those associations.’

Management concluded it will have to assert its authority as the facility owner by setting terms and conditions to be complied with by the users.

The upgraded rank was originally scheduled to open at the end of last month, but City Communications Manager Mdu Ncalane said the recent flash floods interrupted construction progress.

The postponed completion date was not confirmed by time of print.

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