On Tuesday September 19, 400 taxis blocked off roads in Umhlanga causing traffic to be brought to a standstill.
The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) were protesting because they could not to operate a taxi rank outside the Oceans Mall in Umhlanga.
Representatives from eThekwini Municipality met with members of the taxi industry from the northern region the next day to find a long-lasting solution to address issues related to the lack of a designated public transport space for taxis near the Oceans Mall.
eThekwini Municipality spokesperson, Ms Gugu Sisilana said the affected taxi associations complained about an inadequate holding space for taxis. She added that the temporary space they had been allowed to use was recently shut down by mall management without any consultations.
Members of the Durban Metro Police Services and other law enforcement agencies were on scene and attended to the illegal blockading of the roads. Ms Sisilana said city leadership has called on the taxi industry to table their concerns through appropriate channels so that they can be addressed amicably. The municipality is also finalising consultations regarding a new holding area for taxis and buses. The site has already been identified, said Ms Sisilana.
The engagement held yesterday between the city and the Greater Northern Taxi Association was a “fruitful” one. Sharing their grievances during the engagement, the association’s representatives said they were aggrieved by the actions of the Oceans Mall developers of barricading the area which was being used as a taxi rank. The developers, along with eThekwini Transport Authority (ETA), Metro Police and councillors from the area, were part of the meeting.
Metro Police Spokesperson Colonel Boysie Zungu acknowledged both views from the association and the developers.
“The Oceans Mall cannot operate without workers. In the same breath, workers cannot come to work without public transportation,” said Colonel Zungu.
Other concerns raised by the association were that previous solutions did not suit them as they required additional space for more vehicles. They also noted that the building plans did not make provision for a proper taxi rank, stating that there are 13 other taxi associations operating in the precinct.
“The eThekwini Transport Authority will meet with developers to find an accommodating solution,” said Ms Sisilana. “All parties involved will meet again soon and present to the association.”
