Never been used taxi rank in Thohoyandou to get a R16m revamp
Due to structural defects, among other issues, the rank soon turned into a white elephant and no one was certain when this improved bus and taxi rank would come into use.
LIMPOPO – Transport MEC Florence Radzilani announced that her department has set aside R16m for the refurbishment of the R350m state-of the art Thohoyandou Intermodal Transport Facility, which was launched 14 years ago and has never been in use.
The modern bus and taxi facility was launched in May 2011, believed to be the first of its kind in Limpopo, and hailed as another effort in improving the public transport system in Vhembe. Built in the Thulamela Local Municipality, it was to serve as a benchmark for other municipalities to follow suit.
Due to structural defects, among other issues, the rank soon turned into a white elephant and no one was certain when this improved bus and taxi rank, which is also wheelchair friendly, would come into use.
Today, commuters in Thohoyandou are still using three different ranks, situated far from each other.
Radzilani tabled her department’s budget for the 2024/25 financial year in Polokwane on March 19, and announced that R16m has been earmarked for remedial work on the Thohoyandou Intermodal Transport Facility.
“The funding should help us unlock the longstanding standoff between government and public transport operators in Thulamela, who could not use the facility because of structural defects. We have resolved to continue work on the facility, while litigation is underway to recoup the monies that the government paid to the contractor. The subsidies we provide within the public transport fraternity, have lessened the burden of transportation costs on our people as they travel between their homes and work places,” said Radzilani.
A concerned commuter, who opted to remain anonymous, said for a long time, they thought the space could have been used for something else. “If it was not properly built, they should refurbish and make it usable. The building will never be used and it seems like a waste of taxpayers’ money and this doesn’t help us. It could be used for other development.”
Some of the hawkers selling their products near the entrance of the facility said they were happy at the time the rank was constructed, thinking their businesses will become more profitable, but there came no sign that the rank would finally be in use.
“There is no business here anymore, as the rank remains closed and we are facing yet another bleak Easter holiday. We appeal to the government to hear our plea as we are creating jobs through selling our goods near the rank,” said Salphina Matodzi.
