Eden Mall Taxi Rank still an eye sore – Hart

On June 24, the NEWS accompanied a frustrated Hart to the rank to get a greater understanding of the deteriorating infrastructure at the facility.

July 2, 2020

Stephan Lehman 2 minutes read

Ward 18 Clr Heather Hart holds her nose as she peers into a damaged and blocked storm water drain.

The condition of the Eden Mall Taxi Rank has left much to be desired said Ward 18 Clr Heather Hart.

On June 24, a frustrated Hart and the NEWS paid a visit to the rank to get a greater understanding of the deteriorating infrastructure at the facility.

Eden Mall Taxi Rank caretaker Bongile Sondobile inspects an incomplete drainage system at the Eden Mall Taxi Rank. He has worked at the rank since 2002. Because the pipes are incomplete, water escapes from a pipe when it drains from the basin.

Located in the heart of Edenvale, the rank is an essential facility for commuters who work in Edenvale and surrounding areas.

Although three caretakers are paid to tend to the problems, deterioration at the rank can be noticed as soon as you enter it.

Also read: Certain tariffs will not increase in Ekurhuleni

Issues at the rank include numerous potholes, water leaks, missing paving bricks from walkways, a large pile of refuse at the Voortrekker Avenue entrance, damaged perimeter wall and fences.

While walking around the rank an overwhelming smell of urine wafted from the men’s restroom while a large rat was observed foraging through the pile of refuse.

Ward 18 Clr Heather Hart stands near a water leak from behind the men’s bathroom at the Eden Mall Taxi Rank.

A mechanical operation of some kind could be seen on one of the taxis in the parking lot the rank has expanded into.

Hart said the deterioration of infrastructure at the rank started five years ago and has worsened over time.

“I have sent emails to the relevant authorities and visited the rank with a City of Ekurhuleni urban marshal to try and have the rank remedied.”

Ward 18 Clr Heather Hart stands near one on the Voortrekker Avenue entrances to the rank.

Hart explained that when she visits the rank with an urban marshal they often berate those disobeying municipal laws.

Also read: WATCH: Opposition in Ekurhuleni wants power back

“The deterioration continues with no response. I am told lots of promises, but don’t see many results.”

Ward 18 Clr Heather Hart stands near a damaged perimeter wall which forms part of the Eden Mall Taxi Rank while a mechanic can be seen in the background working on a taxi.

Hart, who described herself as feeling heartbroken when looking at the rank, said she hopes the rank’s deterioration doesn’t spread to Edenvale’s CBD which has seen a recent facelift as developers reinvest in the town.

She said in order for the rank to be restored the City of Ekurhuleni needs to address the deteriorating infrastructure after which EMPD would need to enforce the municipal by-laws.

Also read: Community members to make use of alternative numbers – CoE

A request for comment was sent to the CoE’s and EMPD’s spokespersons on June 24 at 3.14 pm requesting comment by 12 noon on June 26.