CoE hands over R3m refurbished taxi rank in Vosloorus
The revitalisation of the taxi rank included the upgrading of the offices and ablution facilities.
The Vosloorus Boksburg District Taxi Association (VBDTA) thanked the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) for refurbishing the Somhlolo Taxi Rank in Vosloorus.
The upgraded facility is now open after the CoE Executive Mayor Sivuyile Ngodwana and the MMC for Roads and Transport in Ekurhuleni Andile Mngwevu officially handed it over to the VBDTA on June 26.
According to the CoE, the Somhlolo Taxi Rank refurbishment cost R3 254 769.80, and the project created some job opportunities.
The revitalisation of the rank included upgrading the offices and ablution facilities, replacing damaged roof sheeting at the loading bay and electrical reticulation, including exterior lighting.
A new feature that will delight the informal traders is the replacement of doors, waterproofing and installing a ceiling for the marketing section.
Mngwevu clarified the renovation of the facility was driven by the need to provide quality travelling facilities while listening to commuters who raised several 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 take care of the facility and keep it clean,” he said.
The chairperson of the VBDTA Bheki Mbatha said it was a special day in that the government heeded their call to make the taxi rank conducive for commuters, informal traders and drivers.
“Let us unite and protect this lovely facility to our benefit. As an association, we will protect this rank and ensure no one vandalises it, especially during protests.”
