CBD taxi rank to have space for 226 taxis
"The current 8 600 square meter rank will be extended to an area totalling 30 000 square metres.”
Members of the Mogale City Local Municipal stood proud at the site where the brand new taxi rank is to be built in Pretoria Street in central Krugersdorp.
Mogale’s Executive Mayor, Naga Patrick Lipudi, attended the first sod-turning and was smiling as he addressed the people.
“This is what we as the municipality want to do for our people – we want to build this town up,” he said.
Lynette Zwankhuizen, DA councillor for Ward 20, in which the new taxi rank is located, also stood and watched as the members discussed the construction plans.
“This revamp is the first step to the Inner City Rejuvenation Programme which holds the key to the successful implementation of things to come in the Central Business District,” she said.
Victor Moletsane, the ward committee’s labour representative, accompanied Lynette to take in the totality of the facilities that are included in the project. The project will be funded by a National Treasury Grant.
The new rank will incorporate an exclusive wash bay and holding area for 226 taxis, a loading bay for 108 taxis, a formal 15-stall food court, 82 lock-up general stalls where local business people will sell their wares, shaded seating areas for commuters, and new ablution facilities. Explicit provision will be made to accommodate disabled persons by providing easy access for them to all sections of the rank. West/ east traffic flow is envisaged to eliminate traffic congestion.
“The old taxi rank could no longer cater for the ever-increasing commuter needs of the city, which already far exceed existing capacity,” said Zwankhuizen. “The current 8 600 square meter rank will be extended to an area totalling 30 000 square metres.”
Zwankhuizen and Moletsane are committed to working together on this project to ensure that there is a fair distribution of job opportunities for the unemployed of Ward 20. The project is earmarked for completion by March 2019.
“We have crossed our fingers in hopes that the deadline will be met. There is certainly a lot at stake. Initially there was much uncertainty during the transition phase of trans-location to a temporary rank in Von Brandis Street,” said Lynette.
“Now stakeholders, business, taxi owners, council officials, Maragela Consulting Engineers and the main contractor, Pitdog Trading, are joining hands to support a sorely needed upgrade for the benefit of all commuters in Mogale City.”
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