Sandiso Phaliso
PREVIOUSLY, taxis in Nomzamo in Strand operated from a potholed and dusty taxi rank with inadequate food stalls and no seating facilities, toilets and shelter.
That is all now a thing of the past as the taxi rank was upgraded to the tune of R12 million.
Taxi bosses and community members have welcomed the transformation at the taxi rank, promising they will take good care of it.
Since the opening of the new taxi rank over two weeks ago at least 115 taxis have been operating from the facility which has an overhead canopy, a metered water supply, a wash bay for vehicles and an underground oil separator, preventing oil and grease from entering the sewer system.
The Nomzamo taxi rank also uses a rooftop solar photovoltaic panel system for electricity generation.
There are 68 solar panels on the roof to provide sufficient electricity for the office building and 16 percent of the facility’s electricity during the peak periods.
Mayoral committee member for transport Brett Herron said the taxi rank would soon be equipped with batteries for the storage of reserve solar electricity to be used at night or on cloudy days, ensuring it can operate completely off the electricity grid.
He said the entire facility was wheelchair-friendly, with dropped kerbs at the crossings, and with kerbs at a raised height at the loading areas.
Nombulelo Moko, 57, who is one of the traders using the kiosks, said the new trading stalls were neat, attractive and way better than where she used to do business.
Lwandle Congress of Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata) spokesperson Thozamile Mbula said there was no signage at the rank in the past.
“Previously, we were operating from an open space with nothing except our taxis, but now we have everything we need. Our hearts are filled with happiness.
“This is exactly what we were looking for. It is a new home for us in perfect condition. It was not an easy journey when we first asked for a new facility, but we are here today and happy,” said Mbula.
Commuter Sikelelwa Hans said:
“It feels good to have such a facility. Previously, there were no bathrooms to relieve ourselves, and there was dust all over. Now we feel important.”