Members of the Vosloorus Boksburg District Taxi Association (VBDTA) have expressed gratitude to the City of Ekurhuleni for refurbishing the Somhlolo Taxi Rank in Vosloorus.
The refurbishment at Somhlolo Taxi Rank cost R3 254 769,80 and created a number of job opportunities.
Handing the facility over to the taxi association, MMC for Roads and Transport in Ekurhuleni Cllr Andile Mngwevu made it clear that the renovation of the facility was driven by the need to provide quality travelling facilities for the people, while at the same time listening to commuters who raised quite a number of challenges with the old facility.
“The people deserve decent public facilities, especially stations and taxi ranks. These must be clean, have running water and functional ablution facilities. Now that we have played our part as the people’s government, we appeal to the public to work with us and the taxi association in taking care of the facility and keeping it clean,” he said.
The chairperson of the VBDTA Bheki Mbatha said: “Today is a very special day in that our government has heeded our call to make the taxi rank conducive for commuters, informal traders and drivers. Now, let us unite and protect this lovely facility for our own good and benefit.
“As an association, we going to protect this rank and ensure that it does not get vandalised, especially during protestations.”
The refurbishing of the rank included the upgrading of the offices and ablution facilities, replacement of damaged roof sheeting at the loading bay, and electrical reticulation including the provision of exterior lighting.
A new feature which the informal traders will be delighted with, is the replacement of doors, waterproofing and installation of ceiling for the marketing section.
The facility is now officially opened.
