Taxi rank safety issues voiced
SUNNINGHILL – Community and municipality are in the process of bettering the relationship with the taxi association to address concerns of the taxi rank along Bowling Avenue.
Various places in Sunninghill were visited by the DA mayoral candidate to engage with areas of concern last month.
Dr Mpho Phalatse, DA mayoral candidate for Johannesburg, on her listening tour in the seven regions in the city, visited a number of Sunninghill areas that have issues in need of addressing, including the taxi rank located along Bowling Avenue.
Upon visiting the rank she, alongside other ward councillors present, took note of the ongoing issues at the rank raised by the Sunninghill Ratepayers Association.
She said, “We know there is a dire need for a taxi rank in this area because what’s happening here is very disorderly, there are safety concerns in terms of crime.
“With a part of the land not belonging to the City, we can be a voice of the people. We can partner with them and go to the responsible sphere of government.”
Sunninghill Ratepayers Association chairperson Linda Gildenhuys said the area is a mess due to a number of issues, including lack of hygiene, unsafety and being overcrowded.
“Taxis have to park in the road which, in turn, causes traffic congestion. Inside and out, the rank is filled with litter. Small businesses and food vendors use water from the river which is also used as an ablution facility.
“With crime amid the chaos are those that perform criminal acts, such as common robbery, especially handbags and cellphones of poor unsuspecting commuters – some of whom walk to the holding area for their transport.”
Gildenhuys also mentioned that meetings with the taxi association and new ward councillor are to be organised in order to address the problem at hand.
“These meetings did take place previously when councillor Deppe was our ward councillor, but once she was moved they never really progressed,” Gildenhuys said.
“We need to work as one to ensure that the City of Johannesburg takes note, irrespective of which political party is in power. For us and the taxi associations, it is not about politics but a situation that can be a win for all if all egos are set aside.”
