Residents of Paradise are fiercely contesting taxi drivers parked off in their suburb.
The lower end of Sutherland Street has transformed into a pseudo-rank of late, as a result of delays in a formal extension of the Terminus Street rank.
This has resulted in congestion and numerous reports of near-misses.
Mark Jacobs, who heads the neighbourhood watch in the area, said taxi drivers were encroaching on the roads, with little respect for the refuse left behind.
“Many are discarding litter from their vehicles into the veld. Paradise is the dirtiest suburb at present.”
Among complaints from Paradise residents, was that they were not consulted about the rank extension, nor the effects delays had caused.
They are now clamouring for the erection of concrete bollards, to stop roadside parking.
“We are awaiting a meeting with the mayor (Afzul Rehman) at this stage.”
Taxi drivers, such as Jan Ngobande, feel they are without a choice, owing to a reported shortage of building supplies delaying the opening of the rank extension.
It remains uncertain when the new portion will be open for use.
Although not his department, Portfolio Councillor for Development Planning and Human Settlements said he had received complaints both before and after taxi drivers began ranking along Sutherland Street.
“The taxi drivers were previously close to the residential areas, and people complained about that too.”
Paradise residents have since been urged to attend a Ward 4 meeting at the Town Hall on January 27, where this matter will hopefully be addressed.
The meeting begins at 5pm.
