![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/56/2013/09/Arank5_535041389.jpg)
PHOTO: Steven Makhanya
AFTER years of sitting in the sun, wind and rain, Empangeni A Rank traders are relieved that the upgrade of the facility is finally underway.
Last year the uMhlathuze Municipality set aside millions of rands for the upgrade of both the Richards Bay Taxi City and Empangeni A Rank trading sites, and construction work at these two ranks started last week.
‘After demolishing the old concrete fencing this week, we will start erecting the new concrete fence next week, followed by the construction of the new trading sites’, Mbali Construction worker S’phamandla Mkhwanazi said last Tuesday
Mama C Majola expressed her excitement about the prospects of working in the improved trading sites.
‘I wish they would finish work tomorrow so we can stop working in the open air.
‘Even though it will take a whole six months for work to finish, we are happy to see construction work finally getting underway.’
uMhlathuze Municipality Communications Officer, Vukile Mathabela, said construction would be complete by April next year.
‘In the interim, we have created a space to allow vendors to continue to trade.’