Mbizana - It is hoped that a newly completed R12-million taxi rank will see the end of taxi violence in a rural Eastern Cape town.
The Mbizana taxi rank, which will officially be opened on Thursday by Transport, Roads and Public Works MEC Thandiswa Marawu, is expected to bring an end to the disagreements between the Mzamba and Mbizana taxi associations.
"The Mbizana taxi industry has historically been plagued with violence over various issues, including routes and space usage. The handover is seen as the final step in the peace building process, as it will bring commuters and operators under one roof, working together," said Marawu.
Provincial transport department communications director, Ncedo Kumbaca, said a lot of extra features were included in the construction of the new rank, including marked parking bays, toilet facilities, shelters and market stalls for use by small business owners for various services.
Later the same day, Marawu will also hand over the newly completed municipal traffic department offices, built to replace the old structure located next to Mbizana Spar.
"The location of the old office became an inconvenience for both the shop and the traffic department staff. When Spar approached the municipality with plans to expand its premises, the municipality agreed to build new offices for the traffic department," said Kumbaca.
The new R4.2-million traffic department building consists of 13 offices, a boardroom and a duty room.
