CITY of uMhlathuze Deputy Mayor Slondile Mkhize has appealed to Empangeni taxi operators to avoid confrontation whey they encounter challenges, but rather resolve them amicably.
Mkhize was speaking at the official opening of Empangeni’s revamped Lot 63 Taxi Rank last week.
About R6-million was spent to renovate the public facility, which is used by the Ngwelezana, eSikhaleni and Enseleni taxi associations.
‘We want you to keep this facility clean at all times and ensure that all passengers are treated with dignity. Please advise your drivers to refrain from drinking and driving so as to avoid road accidents,’ said Mkhize.
She was pleased that the construction of the taxi rank was completed by a company owned by young women.
ALSO READ: Empangeni taxi rank upgrade almost complete
‘It is designed to link with the shopping mall through a pedestrian bridge and it also caters for disabled people,’ Mkhize said.
The refurbished taxi rank has an administration building which will be used by taxi managers to do their paperwork. It also has extra hawker stalls to enable street vendors to trade freely, even during rainy weather.
‘This facility was constructed in such a way that traffic congestion will be eased since the rank now has exit and entrance gates.
Chairperson of the Ubunye Taxi Region, Sibusiso Nzuza, assured the city leadership that taxi operations will run smoothly.
‘We inspect our vehicles daily to ensure that they are in good condition.
‘We are grateful to receive such a gift from the City of uMhlathuze, and we will ensure that we keep our rank clean all times,’ he said.
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