Progress made on Vereeniging taxi rank project

In a recent progress update to Chabalala, MEC for Roads and Transport, MPL Kedibone Diale-Tlabela said work is underway to complete the much anticipated taxi rank in Vereeniging.

DA MPL Kingsol Chabalala says he is happy that progress has been made with the Vereeniging Taxi Rank Project. Photo: Moleboheng Chaha

The Democratic Alliance’s (DA) MPL Kingsol Chabalala says he is happy to hear that progress is being made on rebuilding the Vereeniging Taxi rank, which he says residents have waited for the completion thereof since 2014.

In 2021, the DA created a petition calling for the urgent rebuilding of the taxi rank. The petition was subsequently adopted by the petition standing committee of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature. In a recent progress update to Chabalala, MEC for Roads and Transport, MPL Kedibone Diale-Tlabela said work is underway to complete the much anticipated taxi rank in Vereeniging.

“The Taxido Junction taxi rank constructed during 1991/92 by a Developer was demolished during 2014/15 as part of a programme led by PRASA to upgrade the Vereeniging station precinct. The construction was terminated before completion due the contractor experiencing financial problems.”

Diale-Tlabela highlighted that the upgraded taxi rank could not be used as it was incomplete.

“The construction site is fenced and under security to prevent any vandalism to the infrastructure. Transnet as the owner of the owner of the retail development forming part of the site reported that many of the small businesses closed as a result of the taxi rank not being completed. The situation will improve the moment the taxi rank is complete.”

Talking about the progress made to date, Diale-Tlabela said a new contactor was appointed on the 16th of February 2024.

“The contractor has established site and started construction on the 29th of April 2024. The contractor is expected to complete the project in June 2025.

Diale-Tlabela said the department will provide the Committee with regular progress updates until completion of the project and closure of the petition.

In response, Chabalala said that he is happy that there is finally movement.

“I will soon conduct an oversite visit to the construction site to see if there is progress and that there are no delays in completing the project.”

Article by Moleboheng Chaha an originally appeared in the Vaalweekblad