MEC suspends taxi operations due to disputes in Middelburg
The suspension of operations will only affect specific routes between Middelburg and Nazaret, the main source of conflict comes from two contesting operations.
The MEC for public works, roads and transport, Mohita Latchminarain, has finally suspended taxi operations of the Nazaret and Middelburg District Taxi Associations (NDTA and MDTA) from May 3.
This comes after several unsuccessful attempts to settle the ongoing taxi disputes over routes between the two associations. She said the persistent taxi violence between both of them was compromising the safety of other road users, particularly commuters.
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“This extraordinary measures are in line with section 91 of the National Land Transport Act no. 5 of 2009. The Act empowers the executive authority to suspend operating permits to avert any acts of criminality or violence that may result in injuries, loss of life or damage to property,” explains Mxolisi Dlamini, spokesperson for the department.
He added that the suspension of operations will only affect specific routes between Middelburg and Nazaret, the main source of conflict from which the two are contesting operations. One of the routes is from Middelburg to Van Calder Taxi Rank via SADC Street, Wes Street, Cowen Ntuli Street, N11 to Extension 24, 14 and 2 then offloading in Rockdale. The other route starts from Nazaret to N11, Extension 24, 14 and 2, loading in Rockdale and offloading in Middelburg.
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“The department is equally concerned about the implications of this decision particularly towards commuters who are dependent on taxis for their daily commuting, however, safety remains the key priority. In the meantime, the department is in a process to fast-track the provision of alternative public transport to assist commuters in all affected routes,” concluded Latchminarain.
