Progress on new Ballito taxi rank

The KwaDukuza municipality has made significant progress in identifying land for a new Ballito taxi rank.
Preliminary conceptual designs have been prepared for two possible sites and a proposal to enter into a memorandum of understanding with landowners was tabled at a special council meeting on Wednesday, August 21.

Three sites were earmarked in May – the Shell Greenfields Service Station, Ballito Junction and the Sangweni Tourism Centre – after KwaDukuza appointed Goba Transport Engineers to investigate suitable land options for a public transport facility.

Council has scrapped Sangweni as a possible site and chosen the Shell garage as its most preferred site.
A draft memorandum of agreement between Shell South Africa, developers I am Rent Collector (IRC) and the municipality was tabled for council’s approval.

According to the document Shell South Africa has undertaken to donate approximately 5000m2 to assist the municipality to establish a public transport in Ballito.

It also states that Shell South Africa has plans to expand and upgrade the existing fuel station in Douglas Crowe Avenue, while IRC is involved in the construction of the N2 City development, including a McDonald’s franchise and a Virgin Active gym.

“It is against this background that we cordial agree to co-ordinate our planning and ensure a win-all environment wherein each stakeholder achieves its objective through partnership”(sic).
IRC has offered to help the municipality with a R5,5 million loan to upgrade the Greenfields intersection to handle N2 traffic and the taxi rank.

Shell regional property manager Colin Mcrae said their priority is the redevelopment of the Greenfield’s station.
“After this we may seek approval from the Shell board of directors for the selling and donating of land.”
KwaDukuza communications director Sifiso Zulu said the council item was for consideration and minutes will be prepared for a future council meeting, for adoption.

“Council considered the report of its task team that is seized with negotiations in this regard. The municipal manager was mandated to finalise the memorandum of understanding with the relevant parties. Council has indicated its intention to enter into a memorandum of understanding if the terms of the final one are agreeable.”