RYDER and Robinson Streets in Port Shesptone will be converted into one-way streets. Hibiscus Coast Municipal Council has resolved to convert the two streets to serve as the Port Shepstone taxi rank entry and exit points.
This is one of the approaches that HCM will use to address the state of the taxi rank. Council will also make a provision for the taxi association rank in these streets to have at least three stands to pick up passengers.
“The long-standing issue of the rank is being tackled head-on by the municipality, along with its social partners,” said HCM spokesman Simon Soboyisa.
He explained that the rank is currently congested because the number of users has increased. “The constant breakdown of ablution facilities, littering, unregulated informal trading, and the illegal car washing has played a huge role in the state of the rank,” he added.
The major cause for this state of chaos can be traced back to the fact that the rank was originally built to accommodate 350 taxis, but is currently servicing more than a thousand vehicles per day.
“The municipality has decided to work with other departments such as the department of community services, human settlements and infrastructure as well as economic development, tourism and planning,” he explained.
The municipality will also work with businesses, the the Informal Traders’ Association and the Ugu Taxi Council.
All enquires can be directed to the head of department of Human Settlements and Infrastructure, Siphiwe Nikelo at 039 6882137.
