VANDERBIJLPARK – For almost two years, the Vanderbijlpark taxi rank has been battling with potholes.
Despite the request by the local taxi association, it seems there is no hope for the ferrying business.
Following several alleged attempts for assistance from the Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) and the Transport MEC’s office, the association opted to do it themselves.
The gatvol operators took time from their busy schedule to repair the pothole-riddled rank with rubble.
Speaking to Ster, Vanderbijlpark Taxi Association Secretary, Fred Makhalemele, said they are the ones who suffer, hence the decision to seal the “manholes”.
“It’s been two years since we’ve been faced with this headache. We have written to the municipality, but our grievances fall on deaf ears. We have also recently taken our problems to the MEC’s office, who said they are considering our outcry,” he said.
Makhalemele said they have tried various ways to resolve the issue without luck.
“We recently closed these manholes with rubble, but after heavy rains, the roads go back to the same conditions. We are the ones who are suffering at the end of the day. Our taxis face mechanical issues due to these bad roads. Imagine having to constantly fix your vehicle’s CV joints, brake pads, and far more problems because of roads,” he said.
While taxi operators claim they try all they can to maintain their vehicles, the pothole-riddled roads contribute not only to mechanical issues but also to an influx of complaints from commuters.
“We are an industry that loves itself. We keep our taxis clean and maintained, but these roads are not making life any better. We now have to deal with commuters who claim we are operating with scrap vehicles, not considering that the roads are what lead to crumbling taxis,” said Makhalemele.
ELM spokesperson, Makhosonke Sangweni, said, “We are busy with the potholes programme in Frikkie Meyer Boulevard. We will be responding across the areas.”
