Sheppie taxi rank is a health hazard
Hawkers near the Ethekwini route pick up spot said their businesses were taking a knock as commuters were reluctant to linger in the area.
The Port Shepstone taxi rank is litter-strewn and a health hazard to commuters and taxi operators alike.
Having received a complaint from a worried member of the public, the Herald paid a visit to the rank.
Speaking to the newspaper, taxi operators and hawkers said that although Ray Nkonyeni Municipality did clean the area, it wasn’t long before it was again a mess.
“The problem is that there is water leaking from the toilets. This water has created a swamp and the swamp stinks, clogged with bottles and litter,” said one taxi operator.
Hawkers near the Ethekwini route pick up spot said their businesses were taking a knock as commuters were reluctant to linger in the area.
“When it’s hot the smell is unbearable. The place stinks and it’s driving our customers away. I don’t know what the solution is, but one must be found.”
Meanwhile, RNM was still busy arranging a temporary taxi rank or holding zone which would be used while the taxi rank underwent a facelift.
An intermodal facility, which would include a mall at the taxi rank, had been under discussion for years, and taxi operators remained hopeful that it would come to fruition.
RNM said it faced an uphill battle trying to keep this part of town clean.
Acting municipal spokesman Khanyiso Seyisi said in a statement the municipality was aware of the hygiene issues at the taxi rank, adding that there was a dedicated team responsible for street cleaning at night, with particular focus on the taxi rank and surrounds.
“They will be directed to inspect and clean the area immediately,” he assured.
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