Various departments got together and conducted a clean-up campaign at the Estcourt taxi rank today (November 22). The stakeholders were Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality (ILM), uThukela District Municipality, Department of Health, Department of Social Development, Department of Economic Development & Environmental Affairs, and Department of Transport.

The dedicated team of both men and women had to endure the foul odour, especially in the passage outside the rank. A taxi operator told the Estcourt News that it would be better if the people who sleep at the rank were chased away, saying the area is dirty because of them.

Young people without homes were invited to register their names so that they can be moved off the streets and placed in a better environment.

Speaking at the programme, Mr Hlanganani Hlongwane from ILM said the municipality had received complaints from the taxi association that there is no clear waste management system at the rank. He gave his assurance on behalf of ILM that they are done with the by-laws and council has approved them; all that’s left is for the by-laws to be advertised so that the public can comment.

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“The association also made a request for the top area to be fenced so that no one has access after-hours, as illegal dealings are allegedly happening there. Council has taken an initiative that a gate will be installed so that no cars will be found there after-hours. We will also put up lights so that it will be easier for security to patrol,” said Hlongwane.

He added that they are also concerned about the state of the passage outside the rank, saying the ‘dirtiness’ is a result of community members who litter and urinate all over the place.

As part of the campaign, the Department of Health taught the community about hygiene.

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