In the quest of resolving ongoing taxi violence, KwaZulu Natal MEC for Transport Community Safety and Liaison, Willies Mchunu visited Newcastle last Wednesday.
Meeting with taxi owners at Richview Civic Hall, Lennoxton, Mr Mchunu and Newcastle Mayor, Afzul Rehman, addressed taxi owners about their grievances within the taxi industry.
One of the complaints was that taxi owners’ permits were being withheld by the Department of Transport. Mr Mchunu assured this matter had been resolved and registered taxi owners were given the necessary permits to operate.
As tension is still prevalent within the taxi industry, Mr Mchunu encouraged taxi owners to work alongside each other and find ways to resolve disputes peacefully, avoiding physical confrontation by all means.
Cllr Rehman said the municipality had improved the standard of the rank and was in the process of creating a holding bay for taxi operators not loading passengers.
The holding bay is situated in Sutherland Street, at the entrance to Paradise.
Cllr Rehman said water tanks which had been erected for the use of washing taxis would help curb water wastage.
Allegations were made during the meeting that some traffic officers owned taxis. Cllr Rehman assured the matter would be investigated.
He also thanked Mr Mchunu for attending the meeting.
Encouraged by attempts to resolve problems within the taxi industry, Mr Mchunu commended Cllr Rehman and Newcastle Municipality for their contributions.
He encouraged taxi owners to follow proper protocol to avoid ant further taxi violence.
