Krugersdorp taxi rank in bad condition
The taxi rank in the Krugersdorp CBD is once again making headlines for all the wrong reasons. The News spoke to businesses, taxi drivers and councillors on the latest issues.
The Krugersdorp Taxi Rank has been without water for over three weeks and commuters, taxi drivers, and vendors have come forward with complaints regarding this issue.
The Krugersdorp News received complaints about the poor conditions at the taxi rank and met with the ward councillor Mark Trump on April 8 who said, “Although many people were happy when Executive Mayor Tyrone Gray unveiled the Krugersdorp Taxi Rank in February 2023, it quickly becoming chaotic and neglected.”
Trump added that he, along with numerous others have reported the water issue to Mogale City Local Municipality, but they have not received any response for either the nature of the issue or the existence of a resolution.
A group of food vendors who wished to remain anonymous in fear of being kicked out by the municipality said that the water issue is hitting hard on their pockets and health. They have to take the money that they make and pay to use the restrooms outside the taxi rank and also fetch water from businesses operating outside the taxi rank.
They said they are expected to pay rent even when business is slow because they have no water and their customers worry about their hygiene when buying food. The toilets and infrastructure at the taxi rank have been vandalised and looted and there are also weeds growing all over the taxi rank.
According to Trump, there are several problems with the taxi rank, as well as commuter safety.
“It got to the point where, on behalf of commuters and vendors, I petitioned the Speakers’ office about commuter safety because there isn’t a pedestrian gate and people must cross a busy street to get to the rank,” Trump added.
Taxi drivers raised their concerns about this because they believe it puts pedestrians’ lives at risk of being hit by a car and they will be held accountable as drivers for any injuries that may occur.
Anonymous sources also revealed that safety is an issue because only two security officers are guarding the rank without proper safety equipment which then leads to the rank being a playground for perpetrators.
The News approached Mogale City Local Municipality for comment, however, no feedback was received. Their response will be published once received.
